The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has warned the public against social media scams in which individuals impersonate the Commissioner of Customs on WhatsApp to extort payments.
In a statement, the BOC said these scammers pose as the Commissioner, misleading individuals into thinking they are engaging in legitimate transactions and soliciting payments for customs-related services.
“The bureau emphasized that it does not conduct transactions via social media or messaging platforms, including WhatsApp. The BOC urges the public to remain cautious, especially when receiving unsolicited messages or calls requesting sensitive information or payments,” the bureau added.
To help prevent further fraud, the BOC encourages individuals to avoid interacting with suspicious messages and to report any such incidents promptly.
Meanwhile, the BOC foiled another attempt to smuggle illegal drugs when it intercepted a parcel from the USA containing marijuana resin disguised as raw honey in plastic bottles.
The bureau confiscated over 1.32 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana resin valued at P77,866.
The shipment, declared as “Raw Honey Sample in Plastic Bottle,” was subjected to x-ray scanning and physical examination after detailed profiling by customs examiners and XIP inspectors revealed unusual images.
