The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a sophisticated scam in which callers impersonate U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents or local law enforcement in an attempt to steal personal information and money.
Known as the “border package scam,” the scheme involves claims that a suspicious package addressed to the victim has been intercepted at the border. Scammers then use threats and fabricated legal consequences to pressure targets into handing over sensitive information or making immediate payments.
“These criminals are convincing,” the Sheriff’s Office warned. “They often spoof real phone numbers, use the names of actual CBP agents, and even reference fake case or badge numbers to appear legitimate.”
The scam typically begins with a phone call or text message in which the scammer alleges that a package—allegedly containing illegal items like drugs or counterfeit currency—has been linked to criminal activity. Victims are told they must act immediately to avoid arrest or prosecution.
Payment demands usually involve untraceable methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. In some cases, scammers seek Social Security numbers, banking details, or credit card information.
Authorities urge residents to follow these precautions:
- Hang up immediately if contacted by a suspicious caller.
- Do not trust caller ID, as scammers can spoof phone numbers.
- Never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
- Verify the claim by contacting CBP or law enforcement using official contact information.
- Report any such calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local police.
The Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public that no legitimate government agency will demand payment or personal information over the phone under threat of arrest.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].