Internet shoppers warned of e-mail scam

Internet shoppers are being warned of an e-mail scam asking them to pay "customs fees" before their goods are released.

The New Zealand Customs Service warned said tonight scam e-mails had been sent to Hotmail accounts after people have purchased goods over the internet, asking them to pay customs fees or duties.

Customs group manager investigations and response Paul Campbell said Customs did not contact importers about duties or GST payable on goods by e-mail.

"If Customs has detained goods pending payment of duty or GST, we will always contact you in writing by mail."

Mr Campbell said the hoax e-mails were not sent from an official Customs e-mail address. They contained incorrect information about Customs and were written in poor English.

Mr Campbell warned people making purchases over the internet to be aware of any suspicious e-mails.

He said Customs was alerted to the scam by a Hotmail user who received a suspicious e-mail.

Australian Customs had reported a similar e-mail scam, he said.

- NZPA