Tariff Dividend Checks: Scams Rise from Confusion

Tariff scams are being reported in the wake of the various changes made to tariff rules on imported goods to the US throughout 2025. The recent announcement of a possible tariff dividend has created confusion for consumers, leading scammers to leverage this to conduct tariff dividend scams.

What is the Tariff Scam?

Tariff scams capitalize on the confusion between duties and tariffs as well as the possible tariff dividend being discussed by the Trump Administration. Scammers are taking advantage of this confusion and using tariffs and potential tariff dividend checks as the basis for their scams.

Tariff scam fraudsters are calling consumers and claiming that they must pay tariff fees before their package is delivered. They might claim the package is being “held in customs” and insist that funds are wired immediately to allow for its release.

How Does the Tariff Scam Work?

As discussed, the tariff scam leverages the confusion around tariffs and the government’s announcement of a possible $2,000 tariff dividend check.

We have seen repeatedly that fraudsters love to use policy changes as a catalyst for their scams – the tariff scam is just the latest. TNS’ advice is to be alert for any potential scams mentioning tariffs and make sure you understand what duties you might need to pay and the legitimacy of the business you’re buying from before making international purchases.

How to Spot a Tariff Scam

To avoid falling victim to a tariff scam, it is important to understand the distinction between tariffs and duties.

Consumers sometimes need to pay customs duties on various imported goods – typically higher value items. Tariffs differ as they are taxes with the purpose of raising funds for the government and the responsibility for direct payment lies with businesses, not consumers.

Tariff scam calls and texts may include:

• Demand for tariff payment directly from the consumer
• Urgent requests for payment
• Mentions of a tariff dividend check

The TNS Robocall Protection team have also seen financial service scams use tariffs in their scripts to load on the pressure, such as this real scam attempt:

“I’m reaching out one more time from the tax resolution unit. Reaching out to you because your file shows you’re pre-selected for the IRS Fresh Start program designed to reduce or even eliminate your tax debt. With talk of recession and new tariffs, the new administration is helping families and business owners get real tax relief.”

How do I Protect Myself From Tariff Scams?

If you receive a call or a text message regarding tariff charges or a tariff rebate, it is best to not engage with the caller or message and follow the steps below to protect yourself:

• Make sure you research the name of the company or agency that is contacting you. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the call or message, contact them directly. Not only are you protecting yourself, but by making the company aware, you may be protecting others from falling victim to a tariff scam.
• Legitimate delivery services and companies will never ask you to pay tariffs on anything you order; these payments are strictly to be paid by a business, not a consumer.
• Tariff dividend checks have not yet been confirmed by the government – anyone contacting you claiming you are owed a check is likely part of a tariff scam.

It is best practice to never engage with unknown numbers and report phone numbers being used by scammers to your carrier. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, you can report it to your local police, state Attorney General’s office and the FTC.

Call-blocking apps, including those powered by TNS Call Guardian®, are also a great resource for reporting and blocking unwanted robocalls. Stay vigilant, share information about scams with others and be sure to check out our monthly Scam of the Month page updates.

John Haraburda is Product Lead for TNS Call Guardian® with specific responsibilities for TNS’ Communications Market solutions.

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