Experts Warn of Rising Tariff Scams Amid Shifting Trade Policies

As new U.S. tariff policies take effect, cybersecurity experts are warning that scammers are exploiting the confusion to launch fraudulent schemes targeting consumers.

Theresa Payton, CEO of cybersecurity firm Fortalice Solutions, said the combination of changing tariff rules and economic pressure has created a perfect storm for cybercriminals. Fraud attempts have begun appearing as fake “tariff payment requests,” often sent via text or email and falsely attributed to delivery companies, retailers, or government agencies.

Scammer | Source: Pexels

“People don’t know a lot about tariffs,” said James Lee, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center. “Scammers will use the fact that people don’t know... as the basis of a scam.”

Following sweeping tariff changes enacted in April by President Donald Trump, the average effective tariff rate has reached 17.8%, the highest since 1934, according to a Yale Budget Lab report. Despite recent trade deals with China and the U.K., uncertainty remains high.

Cybersecurity firm BforeAI identified roughly 300 domain registrations related to tariffs in early 2025, with many used to spread misinformation or commit financial fraud. One such site mimicked a government payment portal to collect personal and financial data from unsuspecting users.

Scammer | Source: Pexels

Experts advise vigilance. “If you’re being asked for personal or financial information related to tariffs, be skeptical,” said Payton.

While some legitimate tariff-related charges may appear—such as customs duties handled by carriers—experts caution consumers to verify details through official documentation like Form 7501 and avoid sharing sensitive information unless a source is verified.