Kingston Police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are warning everyone about a recent scam that is taking place. Cybercriminals have been impersonation CBP agents and calling residents about drug and money shipments addressed to you that have been intercepted. They then insist that you confirm personal information to help resolve the case. Should you refuse, they say police will be sent to arrest you. To increase their credibility, the scammers may provide CBP employee names and numbers they find online as well as fake case and badge numbers. CBP says these calls are complete scams and the agency will never request money or personal information such as your Social Insurance Number over the phone.
Below are a few tips to avoid the Border Patrol Scam.
- The CBP, or the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) for that matter, will not call you to request money or financial information. If you receive a call asking you to share personal information, it’s best to hang up and contact the government agency directly at a verified number.
- This particular phone scam impersonates the CBP but remember that scammers could call you and impersonate any government entity.
- Scammers rely on scaring you into making an impulsive decision. If you receive an unexpected phone call urging you to take action, be extra cautious. It could be a scam.
Stop, look, and think. Don’t be fooled by the scammers.
Written by Tim Baltz
