Greg's Corner

Fake Border Agent Scam Hits Midwest

By Greg Collier

A telephone scam that first gained traction in Texas has now reached the Kansas City metro area, with multiple reports surfacing in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Authorities are warning that this scam is not confined to one region and could target individuals anywhere in the country. Local law enforcement is urging residents to remain cautious after receiving calls from individuals falsely claiming to be agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The fraudulent callers typically allege that a car has been rented in the victim’s name and was discovered near the Southern border with drugs inside. The scenario is intended to alarm the recipient and prompt a panicked response, often leading to further demands for personal information or money. In some cases, the scammer escalates the deception by claiming that an arrest warrant has been issued or that federal agents are en route.

Officials emphasize that U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not contact individuals by phone to accuse them of crimes or request personal data. Any legitimate investigations involving the agency would be conducted through formal procedures and never involve threats or immediate financial demands. Victims are sometimes instructed to pay using wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, all of which are red flags for fraud.

These scams can appear convincing, particularly because callers may use spoofed numbers to mimic government lines. Caller ID is not trustworthy in these situations, and community members are advised to exercise caution, regardless of how credible the call may seem.

Residents who receive such calls should not engage with the scammer and should never provide personal or financial information. Instead, they are encouraged to independently look up the official contact number for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and call directly to verify any suspicious claims. Using a callback feature or redialing the original number could lead to further contact with the perpetrator.

The Excelsior Springs Police Department continues to monitor these reports and stresses that public awareness is the best defense against such schemes. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report the incident to local authorities. Staying informed and skeptical of unsolicited claims can help prevent falling victim to this increasingly widespread scam.