US Customs And Border Protection ‘Trunks Of Cash’ Scam Email

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

Scams have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, with cybercriminals constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting victims. One such scam that has gained attention is the US Customs and Border Protection ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email. This article will delve into what this scam is, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, technical details, and statistics to support the points made.

Scams

What is the US Customs and Border Protection ‘Trunks of Cash’ Scam Email?

The US Customs and Border Protection ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email is a fraudulent scheme that targets individuals by posing as an official communication from the US Customs and Border Protection agency. The email claims that a package containing a large sum of money has been intercepted at the border and that the recipient is the rightful owner. The scammers use various tactics to convince victims to provide personal information or make payments to release the supposed funds.

How Does the Scam Work?

The ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email typically follows a similar pattern in its execution:

  1. The victim receives an email that appears to be from the US Customs and Border Protection agency, complete with official logos and branding.
  2. The email states that a package containing a significant amount of money has been seized at the border and that the recipient is the rightful owner.
  3. The scammers claim that the funds can only be released after the victim provides personal information, such as their full name, address, social security number, and bank account details.
  4. In some cases, the scammers may request an upfront payment to cover administrative fees or taxes before the funds can be released.
  5. If the victim complies with the scammers’ demands, they may continue to manipulate the victim by requesting additional payments or personal information.

It is important to note that the US Customs and Border Protection agency does not contact individuals regarding seized packages or request personal information via email. This scam preys on individuals’ fear and desire for financial gain, using the guise of a legitimate government agency to deceive victims.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the US Customs and Border Protection ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself:

  1. Do not respond to the scam email or engage with the scammers any further.
  2. Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement agency.
  3. Monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity and report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company.
  4. Consider running a scan on your computer with reputable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to ensure that your system is not compromised.
  5. Be cautious of future emails or communications that seem suspicious or too good to be true. Scammers may attempt to target victims again using different tactics.

Technical Details of the Scam

The US Customs and Border Protection ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email often utilizes various techniques to appear legitimate and deceive recipients:

  • Phishing: The scammers use social engineering tactics to trick victims into providing personal information or making payments.
  • Spoofed Email Addresses: The email may appear to be sent from a legitimate US Customs and Border Protection email address, but it is actually spoofed.
  • Official Branding: The scammers include official logos, branding, and language to make the email appear authentic.
  • Urgency and Fear Tactics: The email creates a sense of urgency and fear by claiming that the recipient’s package has been seized and that immediate action is required.

Statistics on Scams

Scams, including the US Customs and Border Protection ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email, continue to be a prevalent issue. Here are some statistics that highlight the scale of the problem:

  • In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission received over 2.2 million reports of fraud, resulting in reported losses of more than $3.3 billion.
  • Impersonation scams, such as the ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email, accounted for 24% of all reported fraud cases in 2020.
  • The average reported loss per victim of impersonation scams was approximately $1,200.
  • Scammers often target vulnerable populations, including the elderly, who may be more susceptible to manipulation.

Summary

The US Customs and Border Protection ‘Trunks of Cash’ scam email is a deceptive scheme that preys on individuals’ fear and desire for financial gain. By posing as a legitimate government agency, scammers attempt to trick victims into providing personal information or making payments. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is crucial to take immediate action by reporting the incident, monitoring your financial accounts, and being cautious of future suspicious communications. Remember to stay vigilant and educate yourself about common scams to protect yourself from falling victim to cybercriminals.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

Leave a Comment

Previous

CPanel ‘Account Verification’ Phishing Scam [Explained]

Next

Amazon ‘$100 Gift Card’ Facebook Survey Scam [Explained]