Scam Calls Impersonating Border Protection Agents Continue to Target Residents with Fake Drug Shipment Claims

Residents across the nation are being warned to stay alert as a persistent phone scam, falsely using the name of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), continues to circulate. The fraudulent calls often allege that a shipment of drugs or money tied to the target’s identity has been intercepted, pressuring individuals to divulge personal or financial information.

According to CBP, scammers are impersonating their officers and agents, using real names and publicly available phone numbers to appear legitimate. Some victims have reported receiving calls where the caller threatens arrest or self-deportation unless sensitive details, such as Social Security or bank account numbers, are shared. Others describe pre-recorded messages that prompt the recipient to press a button to speak with a supposed CBP official, which then leads to further attempts at phishing.

These scams are entirely fake, and federal officials stress that CBP never contacts individuals by phone to solicit personal information, make threats, or demand money. The agency also emphasized that they do not use methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers under any circumstances. The continued use of caller ID spoofing makes these calls appear credible, even though they are not.

Residents are advised to immediately hang up if contacted by someone claiming to be from CBP who requests sensitive information. Authorities urge people not to trust caller ID and to verify any claims by independently searching for and contacting the appropriate government agency. Reports of such scams can be submitted to the Federal Trade Commission.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release.

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