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Original poster

I’m so upset right now and about to cry

57 replies

Disgruntleddaisydot · 09/12/2024 13:44

I didn’t know where to put this but I hope this gains some traction and I can have some advice. Even if it’s just a hand hold. My friend moved to Australia a few years ago after she got married and this year for Christmas she’s sent me a parcel full of goodies (it’s my first Christmas without my mum as well so she sent me a few things to cheer me up)

Parcel force want me to pay for them to deliver it the last few miles but the thing is - I can’t. Money is almost non existent lately and Im worried the parcel will be sent back

Im feeling sick just thinking about it. My friend’s lovely gift being sent back will be the thing that hurts most

OP posts:
MuddyPawsIndoors · 09/12/2024 13:45

Are you sure it's not a scam?

How much are they asking for?

PickledPurplePickle · 09/12/2024 13:45

It will be customs charges for it coming into the country

Unfortunately there won’t be an option not to pay it if you want to receive the parcel

coldcallerbaiter · 09/12/2024 13:45

How much is it?

It is a warning to those sending parcels to choose the duty paid option or courier that offers this. Not everyone knows this.

purpleme12 · 09/12/2024 13:46

Do you have to pay to receive parcels from Australia?

TallNeckedGiraffe · 09/12/2024 13:46

Can you ask a friend or family member to lend you the money?

TallNeckedGiraffe · 09/12/2024 13:48

But as a previous poster has said it’s probably a scam - lots of them happen at this time of the year.

FKAT · 09/12/2024 13:49

99% sure this is a scam. I know 2 people who lost money through Parcel Force scams - £2k and £4k respectively. Intelligent people who aren't the sort to get scammed but they clicked on the link. Basically you give your bank details to pay the £10/£20 delivery fee, fill in all your details and then they can access your bank accounts.

Please do not do anything, click on a link, give any details until your friend and the official Parcel Force HQ have confirmed.

PickledPurplePickle · 09/12/2024 13:51

purpleme12 · 09/12/2024 13:46

Do you have to pay to receive parcels from Australia?

You pay customs duty based on the value of the goods declared on the parcel

saltysquid · 09/12/2024 13:51

It could be a scam. However, years ago my sister sent me stuff from the States and I had to pay £150 in custom fees😒 Hope that’s not the case for you OP

Ovalframes · 09/12/2024 13:51

You need to ask your friend if the parcel is being tracked. Then use the tracking refernce AND please do check it isn't a scam. Google how to identify post office/royal mail scams. They are rife at this time of year.

Polyp0 · 09/12/2024 13:51

Yes, but normally only if the value of the package is over a certain amount, such as £140 I think it is? So it seems far more likely that this is a scam.

MuddyPawsIndoors · 09/12/2024 13:52

Bit silly to leave such an important bit of information out of the OP really.

But regardless of how much it turns out to be OP, definitely Google a contact and check with Parcel Force that it's not a scam.

SilenceInside · 09/12/2024 13:53

I agree with checking with your friend as to what she's being told about the tracking. Parcel Force aren't going to be asking the recipient to pay additional charges in the way you describe. What communication have you had from supposedly Parcel Force - was it a text, email?

Peridot1 · 09/12/2024 13:54

I had to pay duty on a parcel from Australia earlier this year. A friend sent me some earrings. So it might not be a scam.

MaryGreenhill · 09/12/2024 13:54

I bet you it's a scam OP my Mum was fooled by this one last year .

p1l1l · 09/12/2024 13:54

How did you get notified?
by a little red card through the door or electronically?

Original poster
Disgruntleddaisydot · 09/12/2024 13:55

@Ovalframes yeah the parcel is being tracked. That’s the one thing I do know because last year she sent me a parcel and it got lost

OP posts:
PickledPurplePickle · 09/12/2024 13:56

Ok how did you get notified about the charges?

MuddyPawsIndoors · 09/12/2024 13:56

Disgruntleddaisydot · 09/12/2024 13:55

@Ovalframes yeah the parcel is being tracked. That’s the one thing I do know because last year she sent me a parcel and it got lost

Right, but how much are they asking you for?

WickedlyCharmed · 09/12/2024 13:57

How much are they asking for and how have you been notified by them?

Ovalframes · 09/12/2024 13:58

Disgruntleddaisydot · 09/12/2024 13:55

@Ovalframes yeah the parcel is being tracked. That’s the one thing I do know because last year she sent me a parcel and it got lost

So have you determined where it is? There will be further info available on the tracking log. For example it will say where the parcel and if any payments are awaited.

Original poster
Disgruntleddaisydot · 09/12/2024 13:59

@MuddyPawsIndoors if I knew that I’d answer. All I know is Parcel force are delivering it right now and I have to wait for a letter and they’ve not even stated when the letter will be delivered

OP posts:
PickledPurplePickle · 09/12/2024 14:01

You need to wait for the letter to see how much you owe and why - it will all be broken down like an invoice

Until you have that nobody can really guess

SilenceInside · 09/12/2024 14:01

Disgruntleddaisydot · 09/12/2024 13:59

@MuddyPawsIndoors if I knew that I’d answer. All I know is Parcel force are delivering it right now and I have to wait for a letter and they’ve not even stated when the letter will be delivered

How have they contacted you? How do you know you're supposed to be waiting for a letter?

Has your friend given you the tracking number? If there is a customs fee to pay you can go on to the official parcel force website, enter the tracking number and see what charges are being asked for. If there are customs charges, ask your friend to pay them!