Experts are raising alarms that President Trump’s tariff policies might create opportunities for cybercriminals, scammers, and hackers to exploit confused consumers.
While consumers might anticipate higher prices for their goods, they might not fully grasp the specifics of these price hikes. Unscrupulous actors could pose as customs officials, requesting fraudulent tariff-related payments and promoting false relief measures.
A report from BFOREAI’s Precrime Labs noted that approximately 300 domain names have been registered, indicating a rise in cybercrime linked to tariff uncertainty.
Fake package notifications and misleading government emails
Consumers could receive calls, texts, or emails claiming they owe customs duties on packages they’ve already received or are waiting for. Some communications may originate from seemingly legitimate sources, including addresses that mimic “US Customs.”
However, it’s essential to remember that customs duties are typically paid by the importing company, which then might raise prices to offset these costs. The average American shouldn’t need to worry about paying extra custom duties beyond standard transaction fees.
Steve Wiseman, a professor at Bentley University and creator of scamidice.com, highlighted that there have been scams where fake postal service employees visit homes the day after a delivery to collect supposed customs fees.
“In earlier versions of these scams, imposters from delivery services would show up seeking payment for deliveries already received,” Wiseman noted. “In this case, the scammers have access through computer hacking.”
Beware of customs credit schemes
In a manner reminiscent of the stimulus check scams during the pandemic, consumers should be cautious of ads claiming “customer relief payments” from the government. Clicking on these so-called relief links could lead to phishing sites aimed at stealing personal information.
Tips to evade customs fraud
To protect against tariff-related scams, it’s vital to remain cautious, think twice before clicking, and scrutinize any information you receive.
The Better Business Bureau recommends the following precautions:
- Never send money to individuals you’ve not met in person.
- Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited emails.
- Don’t disclose personal information.
- Ensure that transactions are secure before proceeding.
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to fraud, you can report the incident to the BBB.
