Phone scam warning from US customs as criminals claim intercepted drug box has YOUR name on it

A NEW phone scam claiming US customs has intercepted a box of drugs with your name on it has been highlighted by officials.

US Customs and Border Protection has had to issue a warning about the scam that claims to be sent from Border Patrol and CBP officers.

AlamyThe scam involves a pretend US customs phone calls[/caption]

The scam involves a pre-recorded phone message that claims a box of drugs and money has been shipped with your name on it.

It then directs you to press one on your keypad to speak with a “CBP Officer” who is actually a criminal.

The scammer on the phone will try and get you to hand over banking information.

A statement on the US Customs and Border Protection website explains: “A new type of telephone scam is targeting residents nationwide in an attempt to gain their banking information. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is receiving reports from residents concerned about unsolicited calls from scammers posing as U.S. Border Patrol agents and CBP officers.

“Residents report the calls include a pre-recorded message stating, “A box of drugs and money being shipped has your (resident’s) name on it and it has been intercepted.”

“The resident is instructed to press #1 to speak with a CBP officer or agent. The resident’s banking information is then requested.

“These calls are telephone scams/voice phishing attempts. Residents are urged not to provide the caller with any information.

“The Department of Homeland Security and CBP do not solicit money over the telephone.”

Always hang up if you receive a suspicious phone call like this.

If you want to report a phone scam, take a note of the number that dialled and any other defining details of the call.

US residents can then report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.  

In other news, smartphone experts are warning anyone thinking of buying an iPhone for Christmas to think again.

WhatsApp is adding a cryptocurrency feature for some users in the US.

And, we revealed an iPhone document scanning trick you need to try.