THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu has warned the public of a new modus tagged as “parcel delivery scam,” a fraudulent scheme of an unscrupulous syndicate texting supposed consignees that their cargoes and parcels were “ready for delivery” and “for confirmation.”
Lawyer Charlito Martin Mendoza, district collector of BOC-Port of Cebu, said this is a new type of scam where the user will be redirected to a phishing website and made to confirm and fill out some personal details.
The victim will also be asked to type in debit card details to pay the supposed “Customs Duty” before the delivery of the package or parcel.
Mendoza said the BOC does not require payment of Customs Duties and Taxes through websites, online payments or express “pera padala.”
He said the new scam is a modified version of the “love scam,” which was widespread in 2020.
The “love scam” was a fraudulent scheme where a scammer would befriend victims through Facebook Messenger or email and tell them they have a package withheld by Customs. Scammers would then negotiate payment with the victim.
Mendoza said they have been intensive in information dissemination and found out that most people are aware of the modus. Some would call the BOC first to verify and before any transactions could occur.
“The bureau only asks payments of duties and taxes only through authorized agent banks or through the cashiers located at the custom’s offices,” Mendoza said. (MVE)