Greetings everyone!
I bought some cards from this dude in Canada, and he forwarded me an email today that he received from UPS that says due to the value of the package us customs needs my social. Email below:
I’ve never heard of this procedure before, but I also have never had something of this pricepoint shipped to me internationally before either. I just wanted to check with people here to make sure this is legit. Thanks alot!
I wouldn’t do it. And even then only if you called ups directly, don’t give it to the seller
This exact thing happened to me a month ago and it’s legitimate.
If you check the tracking number you’ll see the package is on hold with customs. Customs have been cracking down lately on high valued packages coming into the states and reporting it. I believe this only happens if the value of the package is over $2,000. My package was on hold, and the second I contacted and gave my info, tracking update and the package cleared.
You’ll probably get a letter later down the line stating you have to pay “use tax” on this item, which also happened to me.
You either email/call and give your SSN, or they hold it, and charge you daily to hold and then eventually keep it to sell the package via a “unclaimed mail” auction.
The seller didn’t ask me for it. He just forwarded me that email. I called the number in the email, but I have no proof that is actually someone that works for ups.
I know, seems sketchy. I didn’t like it either. You will have to do it though, if you want your item. The worst part was I had to give it over the phone to another human. There may be an option to do it online, but I don’t like that either lol. You can always create an LLC, get an EIN, and use that for customs clearance. That’s what I have. Good luck!
If there’s a general number, I would call them directly and just double check with them if you feel uneasy to confirm the same info. Whenever I get stuff like this (asking for personal info), I always contact the direct agency first.
Mike who?
Yeah can second that its real. I personally wouldnt give anything over an email though, but they called me and I confirmed and got my package safe and sound.
Thanks for the help everyone! I really appreciate it!
Seems the answers you got suggest this is legitimate… but wow they’re really pushing their agenda with the whole regulate the internet / change the laws around the first amendment (which I don’t necessarily disagree with - as long as it is done properly).
But in Canada, there’s like multi million dollar marketing campaigns against anyone ever requesting or having the right to ask for your SIN especially electronically or over the phone. To the point the CRA (our IRS) can’t even get people to really return their calls (legit) lmao because of all the fraud and phone/phishing scams. When I used to work a decade ago selling utility services I remember I always preferred using the SIN for better credit approval and ID validation reasons but I had to tread carefully because the more “anal Karen’s” would parrot the laws to me lol.
ALSO… Canada Post admitted a breach last week and already among the TCG forums and groups people are posting fake emails with spoofed CP sender addresses saying they have packages on hold to verify X information (SIN/DOB) and/or pay duties/fees to release the packages. I’m curious now if these emails are actually maybe legit.
You got me wondering if these are actually legit and using the new same compliance mechanism you guys are subject to in the US and just Canadians being so paranoid and over frauds and scams are just not buying it and posting screenshots like “I’m not falling for this” lmao
Yeah its real
I sold two items > $2000 to USA last month and both shipments (with Fedex) got asked for the same info. Cant remember the name of the form.