The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm on a growing scam that falsely claims consumers owe tariff-related fees on packages or are eligible for reimbursement. Fraudsters are using emails, texts, and social media ads to push bogus payment demands and phishing links.
“These are scams,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Chicago BBB. “Legitimate tariff-related fees are the responsibility of the importing company—not the consumer.”
In this latest twist on the classic imposter scam, scammers often impersonate government agencies or delivery services and pressure victims into quick action.
Common tactics include:
- Fake package notifications requiring tariff payment
- Phony messages offering reimbursement or fee relief
- Urgent payment demands threatening penalties
- Official-looking messages from impersonated government websites
Older adults are among the most frequently targeted. According to the Federal Trade Commission, adults ages 60 and older are significantly more likely to report financial losses to scams—losing nearly $1.6 billion in 2023 alone. Across all age groups, Americans lost a record $10 billion to scams last year, an increase of more than 14 percent from 2022.
The BBB urges consumers to remain cautious and follow these tips:
- Slow down when messages sound urgent
- Verify requests through official government channels
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Never send payments to unknown contacts or use odd payment methods
“Think before you act,” Bernas said. “Taking a moment to verify can save you from becoming a victim.”
Consumers who encounter these or other scams are encouraged to report them to BBB Scamtracker to help alert others.
For more information, visit bbb.org or follow @ChicagoBBB on social media.