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ATF Confirms DHS/HSI “Enhanced Protection Policies” Notice Is a HOAX — What to Do Now

ATF Confirms DHS/HSI “Enhanced Protection Policies” Notice Is a HOAX — What to Do Now

posted on

February 6, 2026

ATF Confirms DHS/HSI “Enhanced Protection Policies” Notice Is a HOAX — What to Do Now

The ATF fflAlert system is a, automated, nationwide warning system designed to alert Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) via phone, email, or robocalls about nearby gun store break-ins, robberies, or thefts.  Today, some FFLs received notifications of a hoax.

ATF FFL ALERT - FFL NOTICE HOAX

ATF has confirmed that the document titled “Notice of Enhanced Protection Policies for Homeland Security Agents” (dated January 26, 2026, with DHS branding and a signature line for the Secretary of Homeland Security) that has been posted on at least one FFL’s door is a HOAX. 
 
ATF has confirmed with HSI that the notice is not legitimate.

What to do right now (all FFLs)

Do NOT follow the instructions in the notice. 
It is not an authorized directive and should not be treated as one. 
Brief your staff today. 
Make sure everyone who may open the door, answer phones, or handle firearms understands: 
  • This notice is fake. 
  • Any demand for firearm inventory, “surrender,” or immediate declarations must be handled through normal verification protocols. 
Use “verify first” protocols for any law enforcement contact. 
If anyone shows up claiming to be from DHS/HSI/ICE/ATF: 
  • Ask for credentials. 
  • Get names, agency, and badge numbers. 
  • Call your local ATF Field Office (or your known local contacts) to confirm before providing any information or documents. 
Let us know if you see it. 
If this notice is circulating in your area, forward details to FFLGuard so we can track patterns and advise.

If You Received or Found a Copy of the Notice (posted, handed out, emailed, etc.)

1.  Preserve it as Evidence. 

  • Do not destroy it. 
  • Photograph it in place (wide shot + close-ups). 
  • Save any envelope, email headers, screenshots, or messages associated with it. 
2.  Document the Basics. 
  • Date/time discovered 
  • Who found it 
  • Where it was posted/received 
  • Any cameras that may have captured the posting/delivery 
3.  Report It. 
  • Contact your local ATF office to report the hoax notice and provide your documentation. 
4.  Increase Front-Door Awareness for the Next 72 Hours. 
  • Ensure cameras are working and retaining footage. 
  • Remind staff not to engage in arguments at the door—verify credentials, escalate to management, and document. 

The Bigger Point (yes, we’re saying it)

This hoax is the perfect reminder that in this industry, the next “urgent notice” might not be a regulation—it might be bait. When you’re running an FFL, you don’t get the luxury of guessing. You need a plan, a process, and a team you can call before you make a move that creates liability. 

That’s exactly what FFLGuard is built for: real-time compliance guidance, incident response, and inspection-ready support from firearms-trained attorneys and compliance experts—so when chaos shows up at your front door (literally), you’re not crowdsourcing advice or rolling the dice. 

If you’re not enrolled and want coverage like this—plus a client-only HelpDesk, compliance resources, and rapid response support—reply to this email or visit our website to sign up. Because the only thing worse than a hoax is reacting to it the wrong way.