With the beginning of the Christmas season, the Customs Office (BOC) warned the public about the prevalence of so-called parcel scams.

“People take a break during the holidays, but crooks don’t,” Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio said Wednesday as he announced the bureau’s plan to launch a nationwide customs community caravan to inform and educate the public about how to avoid falling prey to parcel scammers. .

Rubio said the plan to launch a nationwide awareness against scammers proved successful in the recent customs community caravan held in Pasig City and Mandaluyong City.

Office of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. FILE PHOTO

The caravan featured insightful talks led by Cyber ​​Crimes Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) representative Kirt Militante and BOC-OIC Information and Public Assistance Division Karren April Noronio-Gabion, which highlighted the prevalence of cybercrimes, including the “love scam” mode .

Atty. Norberto Castillo and Acting Sub-Port Collector Vincent James Fajardo of the BOC Central Postal Exchange Center provided practical guidance on customs clearance for postal items and parcels sent via DHL Express.

“Thrilled by the success of our pilot trailers, the BOC looks forward to expanding this program to other communities across the country, encouraging a nationwide movement toward a safer and more vigilant society,” Rubio added.

Deputy Commissioner and concurrent spokesperson for Customs, Philip Vincent Maronilla, said that through the presentations, the BOC is calling for vigilance in online interactions, stressing the importance of education and community action to protect individuals from becoming victims of scams.

“This is part of the Bureau’s commitment to raise public awareness to protect Filipino communities. We cannot do this alone; we need everyone’s support,” added Maronilla.

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the warehouses and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall. in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of another mall in the area. PHOTO RENE H. DILAN

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the warehouses and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall. in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of another mall in the area. PHOTO RENE H. DILAN

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the warehouses and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall. in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of another mall in the area. PHOTO RENE H. DILAN

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the warehouses and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall. in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of another mall in the area. PHOTO RENE H. DILAN

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), presents to the media the warehouses and warehouses of counterfeit products seized from the 7th floor of a mall. in Binondo, Manila and the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of another mall in the area. PHOTO RENE H. DILAN

To avoid being scammed, Maronilla said one should always check the profiles of online contacts and avoid sharing personal information that could be used for fraud.

He encouraged the public to be wary of products sold on social media by checking their legitimacy through reviews and comments.

BOC reminded the public to avoid responding to suspicious calls, emails or messages and to always verify transactions with BOC or CICC to ensure their legitimacy.

As a precaution, scams can be easily spotted if the scammer does not provide their office address and insists on paying through online banking and money order.

“The initiative goes beyond raising awareness; it aims to equip individuals with practical knowledge to prevent scams. By understanding and recognizing potential threats, community members can better protect themselves,” said Maronilla.