### U.S. Citizens Alerted About Phone Scams Masquerading as CBP
Recently, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a warning to U.S. citizens about an ongoing phone scam where fraudsters impersonate CBP officers. These impostors demand money or personal information such as Social Security numbers, under threats of police action or by falsely promising monetary rewards for cooperation.
According to Rod Hudson, the acting director of field operations for CBP in Houston, these scammers use pre-recorded messages claiming to have intercepted a shipment of drugs or money in the victim’s name. Victims are urged to press a key to connect with a supposed CBP agent. Once connected, the scammer seeks to verify the victim’s banking information, insisting on cooperation under the threat of police intervention.
In some cases, the scammers provide the name or contact details of actual CBP employees from internet searches to appear credible. They might also offer bogus case or badge numbers to further deceive their targets.
**CBP’s Recommendations to Avoid Falling for the Scam:**
– If a caller demands payment or requests sensitive information like a Social Security number, hang up immediately. It is a scam.
– CBP will never ask for payments via gift cards, cryptocurrencies, or wire transfers. Any such request is fraudulent.
– Do not trust caller ID, as scammers can manipulate this to make their number appear authentic.
– Verify any suspicious calls or emails directly with CBP through official contact information found on their website.
– Avoid returning calls to numbers shown on caller ID or messages. Always use verified numbers from the agency’s website.
CBP emphasizes that anyone receiving suspicious calls should promptly end the conversation. To report such scams, victims can use the following link: [Report Fraud](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/?orgcode=USCBP2).
### Additional Insights on Phone Scams Posing as Government Agencies
Across the United States, scam calls impersonating government agencies have become increasingly sophisticated. Law enforcement agencies have noted a rise in fraud cases where criminals exploit people’s trust in official institutions.
These scams often target individuals by pretending to be from reputable agencies, such as the IRS or local law enforcement, using tactics of intimidation or false incentives to access sensitive information. In response, many agencies have issued public service announcements advising extraordinary caution when dealing with unsolicited calls requesting personal or financial information.
Authorities recommend staying informed about the latest scam techniques and sharing awareness with friends and family to help protect the broader community. It’s crucial always to verify any suspicious communications by reaching out directly to the concerned organization using publicly listed contact details.