Don’t Fall for Fraudulent Schemes
As CBP rolls out the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) process for IEEPA duty refunds, importers should be aware of an increased risk of fraud and phishing attempts targeting companies seeking refunds. Deringer has received reports from clients that they have been targeted with fraudulent notices related to IEEPA refund claims.
The official process for requesting an IEEPA refund is through a CAPE Declaration filed in the ACE Secure Data Portal using a verified ACE account. Importers should work directly with the customs broker who filed the original entries to determine the appropriate refund filing process and avoid unauthorized third-party solicitations.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of anyone who:
• Offers to obtain an IEEPA refund on your behalf in exchange for personal, company, or banking information
• Requests sensitive information such as bank account details, passwords, or Social Security numbers
• Sends unsolicited emails, calls, or text messages regarding IEEPA refunds
• Creates a sense of urgency or pressure to act immediately
• Uses suspicious links, poor grammar, or unofficial websites
Protect Your Organization
• Verify that your ACE account information is accurate and up to date.
• Only use the ACE Secure Data Portal for CAPE-related refund submissions.
• Confirm that any communication from CBP comes from an official @cbp.dhs.gov email address.
• Never share sensitive company or financial information with unverified parties.
• Avoid clicking links or opening attachments from suspicious emails.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
If you receive a suspicious communication related to IEEPA refunds or CAPE reports:
• Report it to IEEPAFraud@cbp.dhs.gov
• Submit a complaint through the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Hotline
For additional guidance on protecting your information and avoiding refund-related scams, review CBP’s recent message: CSMS # 68569567 – Best Practices for Protecting Your Information Regarding IEEPA Refunds
If you have questions regarding CAPE filings, IEEPA refunds, or ACE account security, please contact your Deringer representative before responding to any unsolicited requests for information.
