Finnish Customs has issued a warning about a surge in fraudulent messages being sent in the agency's name, reminding people that it never sends text messages containing links.
Customs said the deceptive messages often invite people for questioning, then instruct their targets to click on a link for more information.
The agency emphasised that those sending the messages are scammers and that people should not click or follow any links that might be in the messages.
As it has noted in the past, Customs reiterated that it does not send text messages with links, nor does it send customs clearance requests or reminders about unpaid customs duties via SMS. Notifications about the arrival of parcel shipments are always dispatched by transport companies, not Customs, the agency explained in a press release.
Customs' communications chief, Mika Parkkonen, expressed concern over the frequent misuse of the agency's name in fraudulent communications.
"As a trusted authority, it is unfortunate that messages impersonating Customs are often used for scams," Parkkonen stated in the release.
The agency said it has received daily inquiries from members of the public asking about interrogation invitations they have received since the beginning of this month.