The public has been warned of a syndicate engaged in a scheme using social media accounts of agency personnel to collect payments for shipments.
“The public is advised that certain unscrupulous individuals are grabbing social media pictures of B0C-NAIA personnel and using the names of NAIA officials demanding sums of money as clearance Fees for the release of shipments,” the Customs NAIA stated in its advisory.
It also stated that the bureau does not collect any fees or charges through G-cash or money remittance services.
“Payment of Customs duties and taxes is through Authorized Agent Banks or Customs Cashiers and given with corresponding official receipt for the payments made,” it added.
Customs has been receiving reports about the scheme through online, email, text messages, and calls.
Last year, the Customs NAIA launched an information campaign to properly guide the public on claiming parcels and protect them from being scammed online.
NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan said providing necessary information to stakeholders is important as such would ensure a quicker and more efficient process in the bureau.
“The Port of NAIA remains one with the rest of the bureau in developing more initiatives to provide information to the public and promote ease of doing business as processes are geared more towards the promotion of zero contact and automation,” she said.