Look Out for this New Package Delivery Scam

Milwaukee, Wis. – In a new spin on the package delivery scheme, scammers are no longer posing as mail carriers. Instead, they’re impersonating US Customs and Border Protection, claiming to have intercepted a package addressed to the victim.  Even if they sound official or make threats, don’t let these scammers fool you. The person who contacted you is simply impersonating an agent and trying to gain access to your personal information and bank accounts.

How the Scam Works

Consumers have reported two versions of this scheme to BBB Scam Tracker.

The suspicious package scheme: You receive a call, email or text saying US Customs and Border Patrol has intercepted a suspicious package addressed to you. You’re instructed to respond immediately, or a warrant will be issued for your arrest. When you reach out, you learn they seized the package because it contained drugs, weapons, cash, or other contraband. The “officer” asks for your personal information in order to “verify your identity,” but it’s just a ruse to steal your identity.

The sweepstakes scheme: In another version of this scam, you’re contacted by someone claiming to be associated with US Customs and Border Protection. This time, they don’t threaten you with arrest. Instead, they claim to have intercepted a package containing a massive sweepstakes prize. To receive your winnings, you need to pay a huge fee for special shipping labels. Protect yourself from this scam:

• Beware of unsolicited calls, texts and emails. No matter who they say they are, stay cautious, and don’t give out your personal information.
• Think it’s a government official calling? Think again. Government agencies typically reach out by mail, so they’re unlikely to contact you by phone, email, or text message.
• Do not trust a name or badge number. Multiple consumers told Scam Tracker that the scammer provided a name and badge number. This is just an attempt to gain your trust.
• Ignore it! The US Customs and Border Protection advises anyone who encounters this scam to hang up or ignore the message.

For More Information

US Customs and Border Protection issued a public warning about this scam. If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Find more information about scams and how to avoid them at BBB.org/AvoidScams. To read more BBB press releases click here

For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Wisconsin which was founded in 1939 and serves the state of Wisconsin.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.