Beware Fake Customs Officers

The Customs and Excise Division, or CED, is warning that there are people, both locally and internationally, purporting to be officers of the CED who are soliciting monies from members of the public for the clearance of goods. The CED says these impersonators target members of the public via email or social media, directing them to pay excessive sums of money through direct cash payment or bank deposit in private accounts. The Division is reminding members of the public that the payment of taxes due on the importation of goods into Trinidad and Tobago is payable to the Comptroller of Customs and Excise. These payments can only be made directly to the Division's cashiers where an official receipt will be issued. If you are approached by anyone purporting to be a Customs and Excise Official via any medium, soliciting monies for the clearance of goods, you are advised to contact the nearest Police Station and the Comptroller of Customs and Excise.