Phone Scam Alert: CBP Warns of New Phishing Attempt
Federal officials are warning about a new phone scam targeting people nationwide in which callers pretend to be agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection in a phishing attempt for personal information.
CBP said in a recent announcement that suspects are making phone calls, sometimes live and sometimes pre-recorded, to the person on the other end and then claiming that CBP has intercepted a shipment of drugs or money addressed to them.
The caller then insists personal details must be confirmed to “resolve the case.”
How the Scam Works
If the recipient hesitates to comply, the scheme then involves threatening police involvement.
Officials said in some cases, the callers are using real names and phone numbers of current CBP employees to appear more convincing. In many instances, scammers have even provided fake case numbers or badge numbers to further the ruse, according to federal authorities.
“Anyone receiving a call from U.S. Customs and Border Protection about self-deportation, or a shipment of drugs or money, should recognize that it is a scam, regardless of how authentic the caller may sound,” said Rod Hudson, the acting director of field operations at CBP Houston.
Variations of the Scam
Another variation of the scam involves an automated message instructing the recipient to “press 1 to speak with a CBP officer.” Once connected, the scammer asks for banking information or other personal data.
“CBP will not make telephone calls threatening citizens that law enforcement is on the way or promising money for information,” Hudson said.
The phony callers can also manipulate caller ID to display official-looking numbers, making it difficult to verify the true origin of the call, according to officials.
Protecting Yourself
CBP recommends that anyone unsure about a call visit the agency’s official website and use the contact information listed there, rather than relying on numbers provided by caller ID or in messages.
Officials said suspicious calls from individuals claiming to be with CBP should be terminated immediately, and no personal information should be shared.
Such incidents can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to be aware of this new phone scam targeting people nationwide. By being cautious and verifying the authenticity of calls, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this phishing attempt. Remember, CBP will not make telephone calls threatening citizens or promising money for information. If you receive a suspicious call, terminate it immediately and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission online.
FAQs
Q: What is the new phone scam targeting people nationwide?
A: The new phone scam involves callers pretending to be agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection in a phishing attempt for personal information.
Q: How do the scammers make the calls appear authentic?
A: The scammers use real names and phone numbers of current CBP employees, provide fake case numbers or badge numbers, and manipulate caller ID to display official-looking numbers.
Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be with CBP?
A: You should terminate the call immediately and not share any personal information. You can also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission online.
Q: How can I verify the authenticity of a call from CBP?
A: You can visit the CBP official website and use the contact information listed there to verify the authenticity of the call.
