ExpressLineService.com ELS, Express Line Service Customs Brokerage Scam Kiev Kyiv City
Ordered something from the Ukraine. Supposedly it was shipped via ELA aka ExpressLineService.com, tracking number was provided and everything looked legit including updates to the package progress. Package supposedly reached Canadian Customs in Toronto where it was "held waiting import license". Upon contacting ELS with the provided customer support email they claimed a "universal import license" was required and that they would arrange a 3 month one for me for the small charge of $600 USD payable by moneygram, western union, or bitcoin only.
I explained this was a on time purchase by a private individual, not for resale. They replied that a on time license could be provided for just $450 USD payable only by moneygram, western union, or bitcoin. I asked for a different payment option as these were not secure and I was sure I was being extorted or worse out right scammed. They said there was no other option. I contacted Canadian Customs. They suggested I do a self release and provided instructions, which includes getting an invoice and a cargo control document from the carrier. So I informed ELS I would do this and asked they kindly provide the cargo control document and invoice.
They first accused me of lying about contacting Canadian Customs saying they would not have replied to an individual. When I provided a copy of the email reply I got from Canadian Customs ELS replied, "Please all these will not help you but a waste of time." When I insisted they stayed that no such documents (invoice and cargo control document) existed as it was just a simple package declared as "parcel". Finally having become convince my package was indeed fictitious and did not exist anymore so than the invoice or cargo control document.
I told ELS I would pay for the on time use universal import license via escrow. That I would release the payment once I was face to face with the delivery personnel and that the delivery personnel would not hand over the package until they confirmed payment has been released. ELS tried to make one final demand the payment be sent via moneygram, western union, or bitcoin and they ceased responding. The shipper says this is between me and ELS. I believe they are working together. I am out $462 with nothing to show for it.