THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) warns the public against scams involving parcels purportedly containing receiving money.
Customs spokesman Vincent Philip Maronilla issued the warning after an individual was victimized by a scammer who befriended him through the social media.
Maronilla said the scheme calls for the prospective victim putting up some amounts to redeem a package ostensibly addressed to him but held up at the Customs.
He pointed out that very few people would send money through parcels, and often, these are small amounts from close friends and relatives.
The scammers would tell the victims that the parcels contained amounts of up to P1 million, Because of the substantial amount involved in the package, the victims’ are even tempted to borrow money to raise the required amount.
Once the victim had send in the money for the purported Customs fee, his supposed online friend would cut off communications and the victim would be left holding the proverbial empty bag.
The BOC official advised the public to demand a bill of lading or airway bill before sending out any amount.
He said such documents have a tracking number that can be verified on the Customs website.