A new scam has crooks masquerading as agents with Customs and Border Protection.
The scammers copy a real CBP agency number to trick you into believing they're legit. Once on the phone, they may identify themselves as a CBP agent. Roger Maier with CBP in El Paso says "they've even used the names of some of our officials, including yours truly on some of these calls to make it seem more legitimate."
Those who have gotten the calls say they include a pre-recorded message stating, "A box of drugs and money being shipped has your (resident’s) name on it and it has been intercepted." The person is then instructed to press #1 to speak with a CBP officer or agent before their banking information is requested.
Maier says "CBP is not going to call you to collect any sort of penalty in relation to drugs or other violations. These calls are completely fraudulent. They are just trying to separate good people from their money."
He says the bad actors cloned a number from their Ysleta port of entry, and now phones there are being inundated with callers nationwide.
His advice is to hang up.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD