Telephone scammers are continuing to target individuals across the country, posing as representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in an attempt to obtain personal information that could compromise financial security.
CBP officials have warned that anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be from their agency and requesting personal details should immediately hang up. Numerous reports have been received by CBP employees about unsolicited calls from scammers impersonating U.S. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers.
Rod Hudson, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP in Houston, clarified the agency's stance: “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.” He further advised that any call involving self-deportation or alleged shipments of drugs or money is a scam.
Victims often report being told by scammers that they must confirm certain details because CBP has intercepted a shipment with their name and address. If they refuse to comply, they are threatened with police action. Scammers sometimes use real names and phone numbers of actual CBP employees found online to appear credible, even providing fake case numbers and badge numbers.
Another tactic involves pre-recorded messages stating a shipment has been intercepted with the target's name on it. The message instructs them to press #1 to speak with a supposed CBP officer who then attempts to extract banking information.
These scams can involve either live callers or pre-recorded messages, but both are fraudulent attempts at phishing for information. The Department of Homeland Security and CBP do not solicit money over the phone.
For those who receive such calls, it is important to remember: hang up immediately if asked for personal information by someone claiming to be from CBP. Such incidents can be reported online to the Federal Trade Commission.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national security through various means including innovation and collaboration.
