HOUSTON – June 10, 2025 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is urging the public to remain vigilant as phone scammers continue to impersonate CBP officials in a nationwide scheme to obtain sensitive personal and financial information.
Fraudulent Calls Impersonating CBP Officers
According to CBP officials, individuals across the country have reported receiving unsolicited calls from scammers claiming to be CBP or U.S. Border Patrol agents. The callers often use aggressive language, alleging that the victim is linked to illegal activity—such as a shipment of drugs or money—and demand personal details to resolve the case.
“These scammers may sound convincing and even use real CBP employee names or badge numbers found online,” said CBP Houston Acting Director of Field Operations Rod Hudson. “But to be clear—CBP will never call citizens requesting money, Social Security numbers, or making threats of police action.”
Tactics Used by Scammers
The fraudulent calls come in various forms, including live calls and pre-recorded messages. Some messages warn that a shipment with the recipient’s name has been intercepted and instruct them to press a number to speak to an agent. Once connected, the scammer attempts to solicit banking or personal identification information.
Scammers have been known to use caller ID spoofing, fake case numbers, and even demand payment via unconventional methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards—red flags for fraud.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
CBP and the Department of Homeland Security emphasize that they never solicit money or threaten individuals via phone. If you receive such a call:
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Hang up immediately. Do not share any personal or financial information.
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Do not trust caller ID. Scammers can make numbers appear legitimate.
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Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If you’re unsure about a CBP-related communication, go directly to the official CBP website and use contact information listed there.
For more information, contact CBP at (202) 510-4963. Stay informed and protect yourself from scams by following updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
