Hoosiers Warned of US Customs and Scam Emails and Texts

What a difference a few words make. That's what online scammers are discovering, and our fear of certain buzzwords makes us more susceptible to scams.

If you’ve been contacted out of the blue by someone claiming to be a US Customs officer about a package or money being held for you, pay attention. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a warning that scam artists are pretending to be customs officials to trick people into sending money or revealing personal info.

Photo by Lindsey LaMont on Unsplash

What the Scam Looks Like

You might get a phone call, email, or text saying CBP has detained a package or monetary item like a check, lottery ticket, or ATM card. The scammer might say you owe fees or that you need to pay to claim an inheritance, lottery winnings, or diplomatic pouch. Many of these messages originate from Canada or other countries and often target retired individuals.

Legitimate CBP emails always come from @cbp.dhs.gov, and they only respond if you reach out through their official website at www.cbp.gov.

Payment Demands and Odd Details Are Red Flags

There is no duty, insurance fee, or processing charge attached to monetary shipments entering the US, whether by mail, courier, or diplomatic pouch. Real CBP officers never ask for payment over the phone or online services like wire transfers. If you're asked to pay any kind of fee, it’s definitely a scam.

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What You Should Do If Contacted

Ask the person to give their name, badge number, agency, and contact info. Then contact CBP or the relevant agency yourself using verified info from their official website. Don’t call back the number they called from, even if it looks real, or any number they tell you to call.

Federal Trade Commission - consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0208-phone-scams#report
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - fbi.gov/scams-and-safety

Then & Now - Evansville's Washington Square Mall Through the Years

Evansville is home to a lot of unique buildings including the first enclosed retail shopping center in Indiana. Yes, our very own Washington Square Mall was the place to be when it opened in 1963. If you walk through the mall today, you would never guess how alive the shops were, even through the 1980s. Enjoy this walk down memory lane I've put together, and maybe someday there will be new life inside 5011 Washington Ave.

Gallery Credit: Liberty