The Bureau of Customs (BoC) is encouraging the public to practice verifying their packages amidst the rising number of victims falling into love scams during this Holiday season.
In an interview during DZRH Dos Por Dos on Wednesday, Dec. 20, BOC Deputy Commissioner Jet Maronilla mentioned that parcels could be easily verified through the tracker on their official website.
"Madali lang naman ang pag-verify kung may parcel. Punta lang sa [email protected]. Mayroong link sa aming Balikbayan box tracker," he said.
Atty. Jet Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner, BOC, sa love scams: 'Yon ang warning namin ulit ngayon. Paulit-ulit kasi ito every time may okasyon o Valentines, especially pag Pasko.#DosPorDos#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) December 19, 2023
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According to Maronilla, the number of love scam complaints increases, especially during Christmas, Valentine's, and other special occasions.
The love scam, as described by the BOC official, is a scheme wherein an individual receives fraudulent calls or messages from their lover, whom they met on social media platforms, claiming that they have pending packages.
The suspects will demand a hefty cost for every pending parcel, with prices ranging from ₱30,000 to ₱100,000.
"Wala naman talaga ganoong parcel. Malalaman namin na nakapagbigay na pala ng pera ang biktima. Usually partial at ang iba naman full. Hindi maliliit 'yong halaga ng mga nakukuha sa nalolokong kababayan," Maronilla said.
"Nasa range ng P30,000 to P100,000. 'Yong halaga kasi na sinasabi sa kanila at doon nagtataka kami na may package na dolyar na malaki ang halaga," he continued.
He also mentioned that some scammers would pose as BOC employees and asks money for the package before the delivery.
"Dumadami ang reklamo sa amin, mga report na insidente na nagve-verify na may ganito kaming empleyado, ganito rin ba ang proseso ng pagbabayad. We need to find out na wala kaming ganoong empleyado," Maronilla said.
In October, the customs bureau first issued the warning about love scams, urging the public to be vigilant against suspected fraud messages and calls.
