Scammed? what to do

Report a CBP impersonation scam

Last updated September 19, 2026

The short answer

The CBP phone scam, what CBP never does, and where to report it

The CBP scam is a recorded message saying a box of drugs and money was intercepted in your name, with an instruction to press 1. The caller then gives a real CBP employee name and number so you can verify them, which is the part that convinces people.

What they handle

  • Recorded calls about an intercepted shipment in your name
  • Callers posing as CBP officers or Border Patrol agents
  • Threats that police are on their way unless you comply
  • Requests for banking details or a Social Security number

How to file a report

  1. 1

    Hang up

    CBP says that if you receive a call claiming to be from CBP and asking for money, hang up. Do not press 1 and do not stay on the line.

  2. 2

    Report it to the FTC

    CBP directs these to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

  3. 3

    Know what CBP never does

    If CBP suspects illegal activity it will not call requesting money or Social Security numbers. It does not threaten that law enforcement is on the way, and does not promise money for information.

  4. 4

    Do not trust the name they give

    Scammers supply a genuine CBP employee's name and a number found online, so checking it appears to confirm them. The verification is part of the script.

What you'll need

  • The number that called you
  • The name the caller gave
  • The amount and method, if you paid

What to expect

The FTC report feeds enforcement rather than resolving your case. If you paid, your bank is the route, and speed decides whether anything can be stopped.

Go to CBP: Warning against phone scams

Frequently asked questions

I looked up the officer they named and he is real. Does that mean the call was?

No. Scammers deliberately use a real CBP employee name and a real public number, so that your check appears to confirm them. It is the most convincing part of the script.

Company guide

Customs and Border Protection scams

Knowing which scam you were hit by makes the report better. This is how scams impersonating Customs and Border Protection actually work, what the company will never ask you for, and the warning signs to recognise next time.

Read the guide →