CBP Warning on E-Mail Scam

On April 24, 2009, CBP posted a notice on their web site that malicious e-mails claiming to be from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a being circulated. These emails may have subject lines with text similar to “Parcel Requires Declaration” or “Your Consignment,” and reference packaged or other items that are being held by CBP. Variations of these messages may include an attached file which contains a damaging computer virus.

These e-mails are not authentic and have not been sent from the Department of Homeland Security or any CBP authorized system or individual. CBP does not contact individuals by e-mail for customs declarations issues. If you have received a similar e-mail message, do not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the emails. Do not respond to, or otherwise contact the sender or provide any information requested.

Please report the occurrence to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) on the Report Phishing page.

If you believe you are the victim of this scam or other Internet crime, or if you are aware of an attempted crime, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.