A text message started circulating in September 2024, informing “U.S.Customs: You have a USPS parcel being cleared, due to the detection of an invalid zip code address, the parcel can not be cleared, the parcel is temporarily detained, please confirm the zip code address information in the link within 24 hours. Please reply with a Y to activate the link, or copy the link into your Safari browser and open it.” Let’s uncover the latest US Customs Text Scam. 

Description

Learn how to spot and avoid the tricky US Customs Text Scam targeting your personal and financial information. 

Key Facts

• The fraudulent package alert suggests that CBP has intercepted a package with your name on it that supposedly contains illegal items (or) has an incorrect/incomplete delivery address.
• Scammers pretend to be agents from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• The US Customs Text Scam tricks people into giving away their personal information.

Uncovering the US Customs Text Scam

The sender claims that if you don’t act fast, the police will come to arrest you. To avoid arrest, the scammers ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information. They might even demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Their goal is to scare you into giving them your personal and financial information.

How to Identify the Scam

Real CBP agents do not call or text any person. They will never ask for your personal information, like your Social Security number or credit card. If someone demands payment, it’s definitely a scam. Additionally, it is a CBP impersonation scam. 

What to Do After Receiving a Scam Message

If you get a suspicious message, hang up or delete it right away. Never share any personal information with the caller. Then, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

Red Flags of the Scam

Be careful if you receive an unexpected call or text about a package with illegal items or an undelivered package due to an incorrect address. It creates curiosity and urgency to respond to the US Customs Text Scam. Obviously, the receiver will be curious to obtain his package, ignoring the details about who sent it (or) if he placed an order recently.

How to Protect Yourself?

Always verify the identity of any caller by contacting CBP directly through their official website. Never give out personal details over the phone, especially if you didn’t expect the call. 

Official CBP Response

CBP warns that it will never contact you via text or phone to ask for payment or personal information. It also works closely with law enforcement to catch scammers who pretend to be CBP agents. 

US Customs Text Scam Final Verdict

If a person responds to the text message, he will receive a call. One of the sender’s numbers was identified as +(63)908-261-5393 among hundreds of others. Evidently, the sender is not from the USA and was traced back to the Philippines.

The US Customs Text Scam has existed for many years, though the message started circulating extensively during the first week of September 2024. The scam text also included various unauthenticated websites like u.infotrackcjv.top/l, uspslkqcud.shop/usunit, etc. These unauthenticated phishing scam links also involve collecting KYC details.