![]() Multiple consumers state the scammer provided a name and badge number, but it’s just an attempt to gain your trust. Government agencies typically reach out by mail, so they’re unlikely to contact you by phone, email and text. Think it’s a government official calling? Think again.No matter who they say they are, stay cautious, and don’t give out your personal information. Beware of unsolicited calls, texts and emails.How to avoid US Customs and Border Protection Impostors: It’s just a scammer trying to gain access to your personal information and bank accounts.įollowing a rise in these scams early this year, US Customs and Border Protection issued a warning to the public recommending anyone who encounters this scam to hang up or ignore the message. The person who contacted you is nothing more than a scammer impersonating a US Customs and Border Patrol agent. Whether they sound official or make threats, don’t let them fool you. To receive your winnings, you need to pay a huge fee for special shipping labels. Instead, they claim to have intercepted a package containing a massive sweepstakes prize. ![]() This time, they don’t threaten you with arrest. ![]() The sweepstakes scheme: In another version of this scam, you’re once again contacted by someone claiming to be associated with US Customs and Border Protection. They ask for your personal information in order to “verify your identity,” but it’s just a ruse to steal your identity. When you reach out, you learn they seized the package because it contained drugs, weapons, cash or other contraband. You’re instructed to respond immediately, or a warrant will be issued for your arrest. The suspicious package scheme: You receive a call, email or text saying US Customs and Border Patrol has intercepted a suspicious package addressed to you. Consumers have reported two versions of this scheme impersonating US Customers and Border Protection. Instead, they’re impersonating US Customs and Border Protection, and they claim to have intercepted a package addressed to the victim.īBB Scam Tracker has received 26 reports concerning consumer encounters with customs and border patrol imposter scams. In a new spin on the package delivery scheme, scammers are no longer posing as mail carriers. Now that many consumers have caught on to the text message scheme, scammers are shifting their approach. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.Stories about fake package delivery notifications made headlines last year, coinciding with a sharp rise in phishing scams. "Road closures are in place while the item is assessed. Read more: Snow could fall in Manchester from next week as temperatures plummet, forecaster predictsĪfter the initial reports, a spokesperson for the Met reportedly said: "At 11:25am on Thursday, 10 November police were called to Millbank, SW1 after concerns were raised about a suspicious item. The roads have since reopened after the scare as the A3212 Millbank between Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge was shut. But less than an hour later the Met Police told the Mirror that the device had been deemed non-suspicious and the emergency response was stood down. Staff were been advised to leave the building. Officers were reportedly called just after 11.30am this morning following a member of staff raising the alarm over the package. The surrounding roads outside the security services headquarters have been shut to traffic as emergency services respond. The MI5 headquarters was locked down after a 'suspicious package' was found and specialist officers attended the scene.
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