MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) warns the public against the so-called ‘unclaimed package’ scam.
The Bureau has been receiving reports of scam incidents involving unscrupulous individuals luring victims with a supposed unclaimed package at Customs using various means of communication such as online, e-mail, SMS and even phone calls.
Scammers allegedly use dummies or fake accounts. At times they would even use the Bureau’s name or pose as employees to deceive victims into paying duties and taxes through money remittance or personal bank accounts for the release of a certain package.
They even send bogus receipts, tracking numbers of packages and other documents to the victims to make the transaction seem legitimate.
Some scammers also use sophisticated methods such as the use of fake courier tracking websites that victims would be asked to visit to see the status of the supposed parcel.
The BOC reiterates that it solely assesses duties and taxes on parcels and these can be paid on a cash basis through the courier or freight forwarder upon delivery at the client’s doorstep or upon pick up of the parcel at the nearest local branch.
Furthermore, said duties and taxes can only be collected through BOC-accredited agent banks and not through personal bank accounts or other money transfer services.
Meanwhile, alleged tracking websites can be verified with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its website to see if the said courier is a DTI-accredited deconsolidator.
The public is advised to be careful in dealing with suspicious notifications and individuals asking for money.
How to spot a scammer?
- Scammer fails to provide the address of their office
- Scammer insists on paying through online banks and money remittance
What to do?
- Immediately inform the Customs helpdesk or the BOC-CARES through email at [email protected] or send a message tot he BOC’s Facebook page – Bureau of Customs PH
Report online scams to the cybercrime offices of the Philippine National Police or National Bureau of Investigation.
No photo description available.
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