Criminals are impersonating U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in a disturbing new scam targeting unsuspecting Americans. The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office recently issued a warning about fraudulent calls and texts claiming a suspicious package addressed to the victim has been intercepted at the border—often containing illegal items.
Victims are pressured to divulge personal information or make payments to “resolve” the issue. Scammers use spoofed phone numbers, real CBP employee names, and fake case numbers to appear legitimate. Some even threaten arrest or legal action if the victim doesn’t comply.
“CBP will never call you to demand payment or threaten arrest,” said a CBP spokesperson in a previous FTC advisory. “These are scams—hang up immediately.”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FBI have both flagged similar schemes in recent years. In 2023 alone, the FTC received over 100,000 reports of government impersonation scams, with losses exceeding $150 million.
What You Should Do:
- Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious call or text.
- Verify independently by contacting CBP or law enforcement through official websites.
- Report the scam to the FTC or your local authorities.
This scam is part of a growing trend of border-related frauds exploiting fear and urgency. Stay alert, and never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.
Based on reporting by: WSYR-TV