Telephone scammers are targeting residents across the United States, seeking personal information to bypass financial security protocols. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees have been receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens about scammers posing as U.S. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers.
"We are seeing a spike of phone calls from concerned citizens about scammers posing as CBP employees seeking information about suspected illegal activity," said Rod Hudson, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP in Houston. "If CBP suspects illegal activity, we will not call a suspect or a victim requesting money or social security numbers. To be clear, CBP will not make telephone calls threatening citizens that law enforcement is on the way or promising money for information."
The scam involves callers claiming that CBP has intercepted a shipment of drugs with the target's name and address, insisting on cooperation to resolve the case. If refused, they threaten police action. Scammers often use real names and phone numbers of actual CBP employees found online for verification purposes and may provide fake case numbers and badge numbers.
Another version involves a pre-recorded message stating that a shipment of drugs or money with the target's name has been intercepted, instructing them to press #1 to speak with a supposed CBP officer or agent who then seeks banking details.
These calls are scams or phishing attempts, and residents are advised not to share any information with the caller. The Department of Homeland Security and CBP do not solicit money over the phone.
Anyone receiving such calls should hang up immediately. Phone scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online.
CBP is America's frontline law enforcement organization, responsible for border management and facilitating safe travel and trade while enhancing national security through innovation and collaboration.
