克利夫兰及周边地区消息
　

BBB Fraud Watch Scammers Pose as US Customs and Border Protection in New Scam

By: Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
　
Fake package delivery scams are not a new scam. However, the scam has recently become very popular again, beginning with fake delivery text scams in 2020. Scammers have now changed how they perform this scam. Instead of delivery companies, scammers now pose as US Customs and Border Protection. BBB ScamTracker has received many reports in the past weeks about this scam. US Customs and Border Protection has also issued a warning to the public in regards to this scam, as well.
   In this scam, you receive a call, email or text from US Customs and Border Patrol. The scammer says that US Customs have received a package addressed to you. If you reply, the scammers will tell you the package contained a massive sweepstakes, or lottery, prize in your name. However, to receive your winnings, you need to pay a huge fee for special shipping labels. They ask for your personal or banking information in order to pay or “verify your identity,” but they are just using it to steal your identity and your money.
   One Cleveland resident was almost a victim to this scam in June 2021. The victim received a call from someone named Kimberly from “US Customs Service.” Kimberly told the victim that US Customs had a check of the victim’s winnings from a lottery, sent from someone named Sidney Australia. Kimberly said to call back and left a claim number for the victim to collect their winnings. The victim identified the call as a scam and called BBB to report it.
How you can avoid US Customs and Border Protection Impostors:
Beware of unsolicited calls, texts and emails. No matter who they say they are, stay cautious, and don’t give out your personal information.
   You won’t win a sweepstakes you haven’t entered. The sweepstakes angle is just a ploy to get your attention. No matter how convincing they sound, you unfortunately haven’t won anything.
The government is not calling you. Government agencies typically reach out by mail, so they’re unlikely to contact you by phone, email and text. Do not trust a name or badge number. Multiple consumers state the scammer provided a name and badge number, but it’s just an attempt to gain your trust.
   Spread the word about these scams. When you learn about new scams, tell people, especially those you believe may be targeted by scammers. The more people are aware of these scams, the fewer victims there will be. If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker or by calling (216) 241-7678.