FAKE PROOF OF PAYMENT. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) warns the public against scammers requiring fees to claim parcels or packages on Friday (Oct. 13, 2023). The BOC said these scammers use fake acknowledgment letters as fraudulent proof of payment. (Photo courtesy: Bureau of Customs)
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday warned the public against scammers charging illicit fees to claim shipments.
In an advisory, the BOC said these scammers are pretending to be official representatives of the BOC.
"These scammers falsely claim that payment of 'customs clearance tax/fees' is required to release parcels or packages," the advisory read.
The BOC said scammers forge signatures of Customs officials to provide victims with fraudulent proof of payments.
"They send forged acknowledgement letters with the names of BOC officials or employees to victims," it added.
Amid this, the BOC urged the public to report any similar scheme observed or encountered.
The public may contact the BOC via email at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph or through its social media accounts.
Smuggled fuel
The BOC-Port of Limay, meanwhile, reported on Friday the seizure of PHP2.4 million worth of unmarked fuel in Bataan.
In a statement, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said this is still part of the Customs' intensified actions against attempts to sneak smuggled products into the country.
“The Bureau of Customs remains steadfast in its dedication to thwarting illegal smuggling operations and safeguarding the nation’s economy," he said.
The seizure stemmed from Limay Port's flagging of a trailer truck that carried 40,000 liters of fuel, attempting to pass through a checkpoint in the area last Oct. 5.
Upon inspection, the carriers failed to present proper documents.
Besides the seizure of the smuggled fuel, the BOC also seized the trailer truck, valued at PHP5 million. (PNA)
