The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned the public against online love scams that falsely use the agency’s name to extort money.
The warning came after a woman asked the BI to verify an email claiming a parcel from her foreign boyfriend was “intercepted” by the BI and could only be released after paying fees.
The BI said the email was fake and part of a romance scam, stressing that it does not intercept parcels, handle deliveries, collect fees for package release, or operate under a “Ministry of Interior.”
“The public is reminded that the Bureau’s mandate is limited to immigration control and border management, and not the handling or clearance of parcels,” it added.
The agency urged the public to be cautious with online acquaintances, avoid sending money or personal information, and immediately verify suspicious messages with authorities.
The case has been referred to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the NBI Cybercrime Division for investigation.IMT
