The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued a warning regarding a digital scam where fraudsters use online romantic relationships to deceive victims into believing that valuable packages from overseas are being held by the bureau.
According to the BOC, perpetrators frequently invoke the agency’s name to give their scheme an air of legitimacy, tricking individuals into believing they need to pay specific fees to have the packages released.
Officials noted that the operation usually begins on social media, dating apps, or messaging platforms, where scammers gradually gain the trust of their targets. After a bond is formed, the fraudsters claim to have shipped expensive items—such as luxury electronics, cash, jewelry, or other high-value goods—from another country.
To bolster their claims, some scammers go as far as sending a real, low-value package before moving forward with the fraudulent high-value transaction.
The BOC stated that targets are subsequently contacted by individuals pretending to be Customs officials or agency representatives. These impostors declare that the shipment is being detained by the bureau and demand that taxes, customs duties, processing fees, or other penalties be settled before the item can be delivered.
To further convince their targets, the criminals utilize fake tracking platforms, counterfeit invoices, altered shipping receipts, and doctored photographs of luxury items or packages.
Victims are then directed to send money via personal bank accounts, digital wallets, or remittance networks. The agency pointed out that scammers often continue to ask for more money under various excuses, even after the initial demands have been met.
The bureau clarified that these payment methods are entirely outside of its standard operating protocols, highlighting that no genuine Customs employee or official is permitted to collect payments through personal accounts, electronic wallets, or money remittance centers.
“Mas nagiging sopistikado ang mga scam na ito at sinasamantala nila ang tiwala at emosyon ng kanilang mga biktima. Kung ang isang taong nakilala lamang online ay nagsasabing may ipinadalang regalo at may humihingi ng bayad para mailabas ito sa Customs, mag-ingat at i-verify muna ang impormasyon sa pamamagitan ng opisyal na channels ng Bureau,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
The BOC urged people to be careful when interacting with online acquaintances and to promptly report any suspicious messages, calls, or emails using the agency’s name to request funds.
Furthermore, the agency reminded the public that any demands for money regarding supposedly detained packages—particularly those requiring transfers to personal financial accounts or e-wallets—are highly likely to be fraudulent.
The public is advised to double-check any claims through official BOC channels before transferring any funds.