The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and consulates of countries neighboring the U.S. warns that a new form of telephone scam has been uncovered aimed at immigrants.
Scammers posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE) officers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) agents, consular officers and shelter managers are calling people asking for money to help their family members resolve any issues related to their relatives' immigration cases in the United States.
Scammers demand that money be sent electronically to a particular account for a service or consideration, or to purchase travel tickets, to avoid adverse action.
The authorities reaffirm that the DHS and consulates NO REQUEST money over the phone and that scammers are trying to take advantage of the vulnerability of immigrants and their families, who are willing to do whatever it takes to help them.
What to do if you receive one of these calls:
- refuse to transfer money
- note the number and any other details about the call
- immediately inform the appropriate authorities and consulate for investigation.
DHS recommends that the public report suspicious activity to the Rio Grande Valley Operations Center at 800-863-9382, its new international number at 001-880-863-9382, and via WhatsApp messaging service at 1-956-295-0887.