BI warns of fake agents harassing foreign nationals

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday warned the public of fake agents harassing and extorting foreign nationals in the country.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente issued the warning in an advisory after receiving reports that individuals who present themselves as BI agents harass and extort foreign nationals in the country.

“A victim sent us a letter for verification of a notice he received via courier, inviting him to the BI office in connection to a purported investigation, lest be charged and deported,” said Morente.

According to Morente, the victim was also asked to appear before the BI on a Saturday — where there are no office hours.

“We suspect that whoever was trying to harass him will meet him nearby and possibly extort money from him,” the BI chief said.

The letter was also signed by an agent named “Juanito Balmas,” who was later discovered to be a bogus BI employee after verification

Morento then reminded that legal notices are sent to foreign nationals using the BI’s official letterhead, signed by legitimate employees of the agency.

He added that the contact information of all the BI offices nationwide may be found at the BI’s website at www.immigration.gov.ph, should the public wish to verify communication sent to them.

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