The Customs -Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) reiterated a public warning recently about a money-making scheme involving fake social media accounts created using the names and photos of Bureau of Customs (BOC) employees.
The bogus accounts charge fees to their victims, which they pay using online payment, money remittance, or personal bank transfer to those pretending to be Customs workers. The Port of NAIA clarifies that the payment of Customs fees can only be done at the BOC Cashier or accredited banks.
“If you have experienced this kind of fraud, you can call the BOC hotline number (02) 8705-6000 or report to the following official BOC social media accounts: Facebook: @BureauOfCustomsPH, Instagram: @customs.ph, X (Twitter): @customs.ph, Viber: @Bureau of Customs PH, and Email: boc.cares@customs.gov.ph,” it said.
Last year, the bureau also warned about a separate group of individuals operating a new “love scam” at NAIA. The perpetrators modify their tactics and pretend to be foreigners, who are being detained upon arrival at the airport for bringing a large amount of money.
The scammer will first befriend and court the victim online, send gifts to earn their trust, and then arrange for them to fly to the Philippines, where they will eventually “get in trouble” with the BOC.
Upon the supposed arrival, the victim will receive a call from someone pretending to be a Customs employee, explaining that his or her ‘foreign friend’ is in trouble and demanding that money be sent right away. After sending the amount, the victim loses contact with the “foreigner.”