The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued a public advisory to raise awareness about fraudulent schemes involving scammers impersonating the BOC Commissioner or other officials to solicit money in exchange for alleged “special treatment.”

In a Facebook post on Monday, the agency warned against a solicitation scam known as the “Enrollment” scheme, which is falsely attributed to the BOC.

This is after they received reports of individuals posing as Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and other BOC officials, offering preferential treatment to importers and brokers in exchange for money.

The agency strongly denies any connection to the “Enrollment” program and firmly refutes any involvement in solicitation schemes.

Nepomuceno emphasized that he does not and will never tolerate any form of extortion, bribery, or solicitation in exchange for special favors.

He further warned that any attempt to use the agency’s name or the names of its officials for personal gain through illicit activities will be met with strict and uncompromising action.

BOC also stressed that stakeholders who continue to engage with fraudulent schemes, despite prior warnings, will bear full responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Moreover, the BOC Commissioner has instructed all personnel to maintain the highest standards of integrity, emphasizing that any involvement in such illegal activities will lead to immediate administrative and criminal penalties.

The Commissioner further calls on the public and all stakeholders to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activities related to these fraudulent schemes.