U.S. Border Officials Have Warned Americans to Check Their Phones for Scammers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues an urgent warning as phone scammers impersonate officers to target unsuspecting citizens.

At a Glance

  • Scammers pose as CBP officers or Border Patrol agents to extract personal information
  • Fraudulent calls often involve threats or promises of financial benefit
  • CBP emphasizes they never initiate calls demanding money or personal details
  • Citizens urged to report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission
  • Verification of CBP communications should be done through official channels

Scam Alert: Fake CBP Agents Target Citizens

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a stark warning to Americans about an ongoing phone scam. Criminals are impersonating CBP officers and Border Patrol agents in an attempt to deceive citizens and obtain sensitive personal information. This alarming trend has prompted CBP officials to sound the alarm and educate the public on how to protect themselves from these fraudulent activities.

The scam typically begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a CBP employee. These con artists often use convincing tactics, such as providing fake badge numbers or case details, to appear legitimate. They may also employ pre-recorded messages about intercepted shipments of drugs or money linked to the victim’s identity, urging them to press a number to speak with an “officer.”

CBP’s Official Response

CBP Houston Acting Director of Field Operations Rod Hudson has been vocal about the agency’s stance on these fraudulent activities. In a statement addressing the issue, Hudson emphasized the importance of public awareness and vigilance.

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

“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. Anyone receiving a call from U.S. Customs and Border Protection about a shipment of drugs or money should recognize that it is a scam regardless of how authentic the caller may sound.”

Hudson’s statement serves as a crucial reminder that CBP does not engage in such practices. The agency will never initiate calls to demand money, threaten legal action, or solicit personal information like Social Security numbers over the phone.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

To safeguard against these fraudulent activities, CBP advises citizens to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from border protection agencies. It’s important to remember that scammers can manipulate caller ID information to appear legitimate, so this alone should not be considered proof of authenticity.

If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal information or agree to any payment requests. CBP emphasizes that they will never ask for payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Instead, individuals should hang up and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission through their official website.

For those who wish to verify the legitimacy of a CBP-related communication, it’s crucial to use official channels. Contact information can be found on the CBP’s official website, not through numbers provided by potential scammers.

As the largest law enforcement organization in the United States, CBP plays a vital role in border management and national security. By staying informed and vigilant, Americans can help combat these fraudulent activities and protect themselves from falling victim to scams that exploit the agency’s reputation.

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