Alert: Scammers Pose as Customs Officers in New Phone Scheme

Finger about to press a red key.

More phone scams are being perpetrated against Americans. US Customs and Border Protection warns citizens about a dangerous phone scam going around. To steal personal information and money, scammers impersonate CBP officers. Fake calls purport to investigate illegal activities or offer rewards.

Scammers Target Americans with Fake CBP Calls

A new wave of phone scams is sweeping the country, with criminals impersonating U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to defraud innocent Americans. These con artists employ sophisticated tactics to dupe people into disclosing sensitive personal information or handing over their hard-earned money. The scam has become so widespread that CBP officials have issued urgent warnings to the public, urging vigilance and caution when receiving unexpected calls claiming to be from border patrol.

The scam usually begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a CBP officer or Border Patrol agent. These imposters frequently use genuine-sounding names, badge numbers, and even spoof official phone numbers to appear legitimate. They may claim to be investigating illegal activities involving the victim or offer incentives for cooperation. In some cases, automated messages about intercepted drug shipments or money prompt targets to call a number to speak with a “CBP officer.”

CBP’s Official Response to the Scam

CBP officials responded quickly to the threat, emphasizing that their agency does not engage in such practices. Rod Hudson, CBP Houston’s Acting Director of Field Operations, has spoken out on the issue, stating unequivocally that CBP does not operate in this manner.

“We are seeing a spike of phone calls from concerned citizens about scammers posing as CBP employees seeking information about suspected illegal activity,” said CBP Houston Acting Director of Field Operations Rod Hudson.

This unequivocal statement from a senior CBP official emphasizes the importance of understanding the agency’s legitimate practices. It is an important reminder that CBP will never solicit money or personal information over the phone, nor will they make threats or promises to entice citizens to cooperate.

Protecting Yourself from CBP Impersonation Scams

Citizens should take several important steps to protect themselves from these scams. First and foremost, never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers. Remember that caller ID is easily spoofable, so it is not a reliable way to verify a caller’s identity. If you receive a suspicious call from CBP, hang up right away and report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

If you need to confirm any communication from CBP, only use the official contact information available on the agency’s website. Do not use any phone numbers or links provided by the caller, as they may lead to more scam attempts. It is also critical to educate family members, particularly older relatives who may be more susceptible to such tactics, about the existence of these scams and how to avoid them.

Staying Vigilant Against Evolving Threats

As technology advances, scammers’ methods for deceiving the public evolve. It is critical that all Americans remain vigilant and informed about potential threats to their personal and financial security. Citizens can better protect themselves from these sophisticated scams by understanding how legitimate government agencies operate and being wary of unsolicited communications.

Remember that the United States Customs and Border Protection is the country’s largest law enforcement organization, focused on border management and national security. They will always use proper legal channels when conducting investigations or communicating with the public. By remaining informed and cautious, we can all help to prevent these criminal activities and maintain the integrity of our country’s border protection efforts.

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