CBSA warns Canadians about scammers posing as border officials

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is warning Canadians about fraudsters who are impersonating CBSA officials in an effort to obtain personal and financial information.

In a notice issued Monday as part of Fraud Prevention Month, the agency said scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including phone calls that display numbers and employee names appearing to be from the CBSA. 

Fraudulent emails may also include official logos, email addresses, and employee titles to appear legitimate.

The CBSA reminded the public that it does not contact individuals by email, text message, web message or telephone to request payment or personal information.

The agency also said it never initiates a request for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a credit card number by phone, text or email.

If contacted in this way, the CBSA advises individuals to ignore the message, hang up or avoid responding, and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

The agency added that calls claiming a package is being held by the CBSA and demanding payment of duties and taxes — often with threats of penalties or jail time — are fraudulent.

More information is available on the CBSA’s website about how to protect yourself against fraud.

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