Customs Bureau warns of internet scam promising gift packages

As the Valentine's Day celebrations goes into full swing, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday warned people against an emerging internet scam: the promise of various gift packages in exchange for payment of customs duties and taxes.

 

The BOC said at least 12 persons victimized by the scam already reported to their main office in Manila, but the bureau said they suspect more victims who live in the provinces have fallen prey to this latest modus operandi.

 

"Most of the victims are women and most of the e-mail senders supposedly come from Australia, United Kingdom and United States," the Customs Bureau said in an e-mailed statement.

 

According to the bureau, perpetrators usually get in touch with prospective clients via online chat and dating websites.

 

"After constantly communicating online for several weeks or even months, the perpetrators would send a message to their victims through email, promising to send gifts ranging from luxury bags, jewelry, laptop computers and other electronic gadgets via international door-to-door parcel," the BOC explained.

 

Perpetrators would even send by e-mail message a tracking number and invoice for the purported shipment.

 

A few days later, the victims will receive another e-mail supposedly from the BOC informing them that packages would be sent to them after they pay duties and taxes to be deposited in a certain bank account or through money transfer service. The e-mail even includes the breakdown of customs duties and taxes.

 

After remitting or depositing money, the victims never receive any of the packages, the BOC said.

 

"Please be advised that the Bureau of Customs does not give assessments and computations of duties and taxes by e-mail. These are computed and written on official BOC document. Customs duties and taxes due payable only to the Bureau of Customs and not through any bank," the bureau said. 

 

"Prior to making any payment, we advise recipients of e-mails purportedly sent by the Bureau of Customs to inquire first through our public assistance contact channels," the bureau added. – Elizabeth Marcelo/VS, GMA News