USTR Posts FAQs on Section 301 Investigation Scams

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative posted a list of frequently asked questions to raise importers' guard against Section 301 investigation scams. Though someone from USTR may need to contact importers for "official business," the agency will never demand "immediate payment" from the public. it said. "Be on the lookout for someone promising a benefit in exchange for personal information or money." Other "red flags" to watch for include emails purporting to come from USTR but bearing addresses not from a government agency. It urged anyone suspecting Section 301 fraud to file a complaint with the FTC. USTR didn't respond to a request for comment.