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Tariff Scams Are Rising—Here’s How US Businesses Can Avoid Fake Fee Demands

Tariff Scams Are Rising

Here’s How US Businesses Can Avoid Fake Fee Demands

Tariffs are a normal part of international trade, but scammers are exploiting confusion around fees to trick businesses into paying fake charges. Recently, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued warnings about a surge in imposters posing as agents, demanding immediate payments via phone, text, or email.

These scams don’t just lead to financial losses—they can also delay shipments, compromise sensitive data, and damage supplier relationships. In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • The most common types of tariff scams (and real-world examples).

  • Red flags to spot fraudulent demands.

  • How to prevent and report scams.

Let’s dive in.

1. Common Types of Tariff Scams Targeting US Businesses

Fake Text Messages

Scammers compromise information security by sending urgent SMS messages claiming your shipment is held at customs and requires an additional fee. These often include:

  • A malicious link to a fake payment portal.

  • Threats like, “Your goods will be destroyed if unpaid in 24 hours.”

Example:

“ALERT: Your DHL shipment #12345 is on hold. Pay $89.50 in duties here: [malicious link]”

Visual Aid Placeholder: [Screenshot of a scam text with blurred phone number.]

Phone Call Scams

Fraudsters impersonate CBP officers, freight forwarders, or brokers, insisting you owe unexpected fees. They often:

  • Use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate (e.g., showing “CBP” on caller ID).

  • Demand payment via unusual methods (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency).

Real Case: A Florida importer lost $22,000 after a caller posing as a CBP agent pressured them into wiring funds for a “missing customs bond.”

Email Phishing Scams

Fake invoices or duty notices arrive via email, often with:

  • Official-looking logos (mimicking FedEx, UPS, or CBP).

  • Attachments or links that install malware when opened.

Example Subject Line:

“URGENT: Unpaid Customs Duty – Invoice Attached”

Misclassification & Brokerage Fraud

Some dishonest brokers inflate fees by:

  • Misclassifying goods under higher-tariff categories.

  • Adding hidden “processing fees.”

Recent Trend: The U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese imports (e.g., EVs, solar panels) in 2024, leading to more fraud around these shipments.

2. Red Flags of a Tariff Scam (Checklist)

Urgency:

  • “Pay within 2 hours or your shipment will be returned!”

Unusual Payment Demands:

  • Requests for gift cards, Zelle, Bitcoin, or Western Union.

Spoofed Contact Info:

No Paper Trail:

  • No record of the fee in your carrier’s tracking portal (e.g., FedEx, UPS).

Aggressive Threats:

  • “We’ll refer you to Homeland Security for non-payment.”

Visual Aid Placeholder: [Comparison table: Legitimate vs. Scam Demand]

Legitimate Fee Request Scam Indicator
Sent via official carrier portal (e.g., FedEx Customs Invoice) Random text/email from unknown sender
Payable via secure methods (credit card, ACH) Demands gift cards/Western Union
No pressure to pay instantly “Urgent – 24-hour deadline!”

3. How to Prevent & Respond to Tariff Scams

Prevention Tips

  • Verify First

    • Call CBP’s 24/7 hotline: 1-877-CBP-5511 to confirm fees.

    • Check your shipping carrier’s official tracking page (e.g., UPS/FedEx).

  • Use Secure Payment Methods

    • Only pay through verified portals (e.g., DHL’s customs dashboard).

  • Train Your Team

    • Teach employees to spot phishing attempts (e.g., hover over links before clicking).

If You’re Targeted

  1. Do NOT click links, call back, or pay.

  2. Report to:

Visual Aid Placeholder: [Infographic: “3 Steps to Verify a Tariff Demand”]

4. Real-World Examples (2023-24)

  • Fake CBP Calls: A New York importer lost $15,000 after a scammer claimed their shipment needed an “anti-dumping duty.”

  • Text Scams: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warned about a rise in fake “USPS customs fee” texts in early 2024.

Conclusion: Stay Alert & Verify

Scammers are getting smarter, but by knowing the red flags and verifying demands, you can protect your business.

Action Steps:

  1. Bookmark CBP’s Scam Alerts Page.

  2. Share this guide with your logistics team.

Have you encountered a suspicious tariff demand? Comment below—we’d love to hear how you handled it!

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