BI warns vs fake guidance and counseling certificates

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday warned the public about fake guidance and counseling certificates (GCCs) supposedly from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

Dana Sandoval, spokesperson for the BI, said two departing Filipinos were separately caught on Monday carrying fake GCCs, which are required of those going overseas to meet or marry prospective foreign spouses.

One was bound for Australia and was intercepted at Clark International Airport. The other was bound for the British Virgin Islands and was intercepted at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

“We want everyone to know not to fall prey to these tricksters [behind the fake GCCs] who are usually encountered on social media,” Sandoval said, adding that one of the victims recounted paying P8,000 for the fake certificate plus P4,000 more for the “assistance” rendered.

—Jerome Aning

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