Whether you are expecting a late Christmas delivery or some Boxing Day deals, you may have to keep an eye out for this recent scam. Individuals will be contacted by fake Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents, saying there is a package at the border addressed to them which contains suspicious or illegal contents. They may claim the package contains drugs, money or fraudulent documents.
The scammers then ask for payment or personal information, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN), to address the issue.
This scam is sent through email, text messages and telephone.
If you receive a phone call, an automated message will state a package is at the border and an arrest warrant has been issued. You are then prompted to press 1 to speak with a Border Services Officer.
Emails may contain CBSA logos, email addresses or employee names and titles to mislead you.
What to Look For
Telephone calls may display Canada Border Services Agency and employee names. However, if you’ve received a 1-800 call from the CBSA, it is most likely a scam.
If you are asked for your social insurance number or financial information by telephone or email, it is not the CBSA.
The scammers usually use pressure tactics and threaten you if you don't pay immediately; this is something that Government agents will never do. As well, government agencies will not ask you to send money by mail, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or QR codes.
How to Respond
- Hang up, don’t answer the text or email
- Do not disclose personal or financial information
- Do not send money before confirming the claims are true and you are dealing with the CBSA
- Confirm who they are. You can do this by looking up the phone number to CBSA and calling them directly
- Ask for help from a family member or a trusted friend if you are unsure
- Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
If you are ever contacted by what appears to be the Canada Border Services Agency, make sure to be cautious of who you are talking to. Look out for the warning signs, and never give out your information or money until you have confirmed the claims.
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January 19, 2023