By Betheena Unite
An email from a Customs service center instructing consignees to deposit a certain amount of money for the release of their shipment is fake, the Bureau of Customs said Thursday.
Bureau of Customs (MANILA BULLETIN)
The bureau warned the public over the purportedly scam message telling consignees to settle the payment with the Customs bureau through a bank or a money remittance outlet in order for the shipment to be released.
A copy of the fake email was discovered by the bureau, showing a breakdown of the fees that have to be settled, amounting to P10, 700. It was sent through [email protected], which is not an official account of the Customs bureau.
The email was penned by a certain Danica Mae Chavez, which, according to the bureau, is not a customs employee.
"Huwag maniniwala sa mensahe na galing sa fake email address na boccarephilgvt@tech-center. com na nagsasabing kayo ay may naka-hold na package at kailangang magbayad thru personal bank account or money remittance (Do not believe a message sent through fake email address boccarephilgvt@tech-center. com, telling that your parcel was held and the fees should be settled through a personal bank account or money remittance)," the bureau warned.
It added that the bureau does not collect payment through personal bank or money remittance. Customs duties are only settled through Authorized Agent Banks.
The public are advised to report directly to the Bureau of Customs in case they received the same message and verify if the package is legitimate.