Philpost warns public vs. package scam

Over 30 individuals have filed complaints with the Philippine National Police - Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) since December 2022 after being victimized by scammers behind the Philpost package scam.

In a report by Emil Sumangil on "24 Oras," the scammers allegedly introduce themselves as Philippine Postal Corporation (Philpost) staff to extort money from people.

Several victims recounted how they were defrauded. They first received a phone call and heard an automated voice message saying it was from Philpost. The call was later connected to a person who identified himself as an operator and who would ask if one had sent or had a package coming from Philpost.

“Sasabihin nila sa yo, the package na you are about to receive contains bank cards, or ATM cards, or mga passports na ginamit sa money laundering. Tatakutin ka o involved ka ngayon sa money laundering transactions,” Police Lieutenant Michelle Sabino, PNP-ACG spokesperson, said.

The victims were also asked to talk to individuals pretending to be law enforcers, lawyers or Anti-Money Laundering Council staff.

The victims were ordered to go to the Philpost branch in Cebu to fix the problem, otherwise, their bank account will be frozen.

Since most victims live in Metro Manila, they were forced to agree to the operator's suggestion to fix the problem online and pay bonds.

“Yung mga potential victims nila, ito yung mga can afford. Yung mga well-off in life,” Sabino said.

According to the police investigation, the syndicate demands P50,000 or higher from the victims.

One of the victims said she lost around P500,000 from the scam.

Some said they were forced to pay due to fear of being entangled in the so-called legal case.

“If you receive calls from like this, yung automated, alam mo naman na walang kang package na ine-expect, block and report,” Sabino said.

The PNP said it will work with Philpost in investigating the complaints. It has  also alerted the public regarding the scam via Facebook.

Philpost has yet to make an official statement on the matter, but it previously warned the public on how the agency is being used in various scams.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News