The Bureau of Customs reminded the public to be vigilant against online scammers amid the Christmas season shopping frenzy.
In a social media post, the BOC advised shoppers to be careful when transacting online.
They can validate receipts and track packages, and other documents with the BOC or the nominated courier through https://parceltracking.customs.gov.ph/kiosk.php.
“Verify if the courier is in the list of the Department of Trade and Industry’s acredited courier/seafreight forwarders: https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/accredited-seafreight-forwarders/,” the BOC added.
Scammers usually pretend to be Customs representatives to convince buyers to pay for a clearance fee and deposit it to a personal bank account, mobile wallets or money remittance centers.
The BOC reminded that duties and taxes on parcels can only be paid and collected through its accredited banks, postal money order or directly to its cashiers upon pickup or before delivery of the parcel. The bureau said dubious transactions should be reported to Complaint Action Center hotline 0998-5988116; https://www.facebook.com/anticybercrimegroup; and email addresses [email protected] or [email protected]. – PNA
