BOC warns public of fake customs social media accounts

Photo from the Bureau of Customs building

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) cautioned on Tuesday against fake social media accounts that impersonate the agency or the names of its employees.

According to the BOC, the accounts are being used to extort customs fees.

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“Ang mga nasabing pekeng account ay nagpapanggap na taga-BOC at naniningil ng fees sa kanilang mga biktima na kanilang babayaran gamit ang online payment, money remittance, o personal bank transfer,” it said in a Facebook post.

(The fake accounts are those pretending to be from the BOC and are extortion fees from their victims that will be paid using online payment, money remittance, or personal bank transfer.)

The BOC added that payment of customs fees are done only in the BOC Cashier or in accredited banks.

“Nililinaw ng BOC na ang pagbabayad ng customs fees ay maaari lang gawin sa BOC Cashier o sa accredited banks,” it added.

(The BOC clarifies that payment of customs fees are done only in the BOC Cashier or in accredited banks.)

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It likewise urged those who have been victims of this to call through its hotline (02) 8705-6000 or to report in the official social media accounts of the BOC:

Facebook: @BureauOfCustomsPH
Instagram: @customs.ph
X (Twitter): @customs.ph
Viber: @Bureau of Customs PH
Email: [email protected]