Professional Prank Caller Scams: How to Identify and Avoid Them

Scammers have become increasingly creative in their attempts to steal personal information, and a recent wave of phone scams involving Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is cause for concern. The scammers, posing as CBP employees, are targeting residents across the country with unsolicited calls, attempting to gain sensitive information that could compromise financial security.

The scam typically begins when the victim is asked to provide identifying information by a caller claiming to be a CBP agent. If pressed for a name and phone number, the scammer provides an actual CBP employee's details, which can easily be found online. The goal is to gain trust and convince the victim that they must cooperate with the 'investigation.'

In this scenario, the scammer may claim that CBP has intercepted a shipment of drugs or money containing the target's name and address, and that cooperation is essential to resolve the case. However, it's crucial for victims to recognize that these calls are nothing more than a ploy to obtain sensitive information.

CBP employees never make unsolicited phone calls threatening citizens with law enforcement action or promising financial rewards in exchange for personal details. The agency only investigates suspected illegal activity through official channels and never requests money or social security numbers over the phone.

'We are seeing a spike of phone calls from concerned citizens about scammers posing as CBP employees seeking information about suspected illegal activity,' said CBP Houston Director of Field Operations Jud Murdock.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, it's essential to remain vigilant and cautious. When receiving an unexpected call from someone claiming to be a CBP agent, remember that these calls are likely scams designed to steal your personal information. Do not provide any identifying details or cooperate with the 'investigation.' Instead, hang up immediately and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the National Cyber Security Alliance.

By staying informed and knowing how to identify these scams, you can protect yourself from becoming a target of professional prank callers. Remember that it's always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with unsolicited calls, and never provide sensitive information without verifying the caller's authenticity.

Professional prank caller