(Credit - WAM)
Beware of fake Abu Dhabi Customs notices
Abu Dhabi Customs has warned customers against fraudulent electronic messages and notices impersonating the authority. The warning comes after the detection of scam messages carrying titles such as “Official Customs Hold Notice, Customs Tariff Classification Required (Harmonised System)”. These messages are designed to appear authentic, with reference numbers, dates, and times, and claim that a shipment has been placed on hold pending customs tariff classification and fee payments.
The authority has stressed that these messages are not issued by Abu Dhabi Customs and has urged customers to exercise caution when receiving emails or notices related to shipments, customs procedures, or payment requests. Customers are advised to verify the source of any such communication through official channels before taking any action. The fraudulent messages may be intended to obtain personal, commercial, or banking information or induce recipients to carry out unauthorized transactions.
Abu Dhabi Customs has emphasized that all official customs procedures and transactions are conducted through approved systems and official digital platforms. To protect themselves, customers are advised not to respond to suspicious messages, click on links contained within such messages, open attachments from untrusted sources, share personal, business, or banking information, or make payments based on unauthorized requests.
The authority has reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of safe digital practices and protect customers from fraud and impersonation attempts. Customers who receive suspicious messages are urged to report them through official channels and avoid sharing any information with the sender. By being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions, customers can help ensure a secure and trusted customs experience.
Abu Dhabi Customs’ warning is part of its efforts to prevent scammers from extracting sensitive personal, commercial, or banking information and requesting unauthorized payments. The authority’s emphasis on protecting customer data and ensuring the security of digital transactions remains a key priority within its customs services ecosystem.
In line with its commitment to cybersecurity, Abu Dhabi Customs continues to work towards creating a secure environment for its customers. The authority’s warning serves as a reminder to always be cautious when receiving unexpected messages or requests, especially those related to financial transactions.
