Illinois BBB Warns Of “Tariff Scams” Targeting Illinois Residents

It's funny how a few months back, people who couldn't even spell the word "tariff" suddenly became overnight experts on the topic after watching a few minutes of news coverage.

Well, just like taking advice from a brand-new "expert" in something, you should be very careful and more than a little suspicious if you get a message from someplace you've purchased items from that tells you your package or packages are being delayed because of tariffs or tariff-related issues.

Why?

Because the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning Illinois residents that scammers have locked on to the tariff situation, along with all the confusion that surrounds tariffs and their overall impact on consumers. Your confusion is exactly what they're preying on.

If You've Gotten Confusing Or Vague Information About The Shipping Costs On A Product You Purchased Online, The Chances Are Very Good That You're Dealing With A Scammer

One of the many ways that scammers are profiting off of confusion about tariffs and their cost to the consumers is by using using emails, text messages, and social media ads to falsely claim that the customer owes additional fees, or that consumers can pay to receive tariff relief.

Dennis Horton, Director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB):

These are scams. Legitimate tariff-related fees are the responsibility of the importing company—not the consumer. Scammers often impersonate government agencies or delivery services, using urgent language to pressure individuals into making payments or clicking malicious links. This is a new twist on the classic imposter phishing scam.

Here's How Some Of The Current Tariff Scams Work, And How You Can Avoid Being Taken

According to the BBB, some of the more common tactics used by scammers in a tariff scam include:

• Fake Package Notifications: Claims that you owe a fee for a package you’ve received, ordered, or that is in route.
• Tariff Relief Offers: Messages suggesting you’re eligible for reimbursement or relief from tariff-related fees.
• Urgent Payment Demands: High-pressure tactics urging immediate payment to avoid penalties or secure discounts.
• Impersonation of Government Agencies: Fraudulent websites and emails designed to mimic official sources.

USAToday.com:

One consumer reported to BBB Scam Tracker: "After 2 months of not receiving my product I have emailed this company multiple times and each time the reply is my package is stuck in customs due to... tariffs. I have requested a refund multiple times. I have no longer gotten any replies from this apparently fake company.”