WITH the onset of the Christmas season, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) warned the public of the prevalence of so-called parcel scams.
“People take a break during the holidays, but scammers do not,” Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio on Wednesday said as he announced the bureau’s plan to launch a nationwide customs community caravan to inform and educate the public on how to avoid falling prey to parcel scammers.
Rubio said the plan to launch a nationwide awareness against scammers has been proven successful in the recent customs community caravan held in Pasig City and Mandaluyong City.
Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. FILE PHOTO
The caravan featured insightful discussions led by Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) representative Kirt Militante and BOC-Public Information and Assistance Division OIC Karren April Noronio-Gabion, who highlighted the prevalence of cybercrimes, including the “love scam” modus.
Atty. Norberto Castillo and acting sub-port collector Vincent James Fajardo from the BOC Central Mail Exchange Center provided practical guidelines on Customs clearance for postal items and parcels sent via DHL Express.
“Buoyed by the success of our pilot caravans, the BOC looks forward to expanding this program to other communities across the country, fostering a nationwide movement toward a safer and more vigilant society,” added Rubio.
Assistant Commissioner and concurrent Customs spokesman Philip Vincent Maronilla said that through the presentations, the BOC calls for vigilance in online interactions, stressing the importance of education and community action to safeguard individuals from falling victim to scams.
“This is part of the Bureau’s commitment in enhancing public awareness to protect Filipino communities. We cannot do it alone; we need the support of everyone,” added Maronilla.
The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the storage and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors of another mall also in the area. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the storage and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors of another mall also in the area. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the storage and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors of another mall also in the area. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the storage and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors of another mall also in the area. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the storage and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors of another mall also in the area. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
To avoid being scammed, Maronilla said that one should always check the profiles of online contacts and avoid sharing personal information that could be used for fraud.
He encouraged the public to be cautious with products sold on social media by verifying their legitimacy through reviews and comments.
The BOC reminded the public to avoid responding to suspicious calls, emails, or messages and always verify transactions with the BOC or CICC to ensure their legitimacy.
As a precautionary measure, the scams can easily be spotted if the scammer fails to provide the address of their office and insists on paying through online banks and money remittance.
“The initiative goes beyond raising awareness; it aims to equip individuals with practical knowledge to prevent scams. By understanding and recognizing potential threats, community members can better protect themselves,” said Maronilla.
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