Philippine Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said there is no truth to the text messages circulating of him soliciting money through a certain Atty. Vasquez supposedly to fund charity projects.
Lapeña, in a statement, cautioned the public against unscrupulous individuals who introduce themselves as members of his staff and ask for cash donations.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently received reports from customs brokers that a certain Atty. Vasquez, claiming to be the chief of staff of Lapeña, has made calls and sent text messages asking customs brokers and importers to make donations for charity purposes or fundraising efforts initiated by the customs chief.
According to Lapeña, there is no Atty. Vasquez connected to his office and the charity project is fraudulent. He added he does not and will not ask for financial favors from anyone.
“I never authorized or ordered anyone from my office to solicit money on my behalf. I am also not involved in any fundraising activity as reportedly claimed by Vasquez,” Lapeña said.
Based on reports, “Vasquez” has been selling raffle tickets worth P15,000, the proceeds of which will be used as church donation, and soliciting money for a BOC charity project in Zambales, even mentioning the name of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as project partner.
Lapeña pointed out that this is another modus by scammers.
“Vasquez” reportedly sends text messages and calls using the mobile numbers (0956) 870-0861 and (0956) 218-1895, asking victims to deposit their donations through money transfer.
The customs chief said he has notified the Enforcement and Security Service of this latest scam attempt and is already conducting investigation.
Lapeña warned the public not to give any assistance in cash or in kind to anyone asking for money in his or the BOC’s name.
Those receiving similar text messages and calls are advised to immediately inform the customs helpdesk, BOC-CARES, at 705-6000, or send a message to the BOC’s official Facebook page, Bureau of Customs PH.
In the past, several other scams were also perpetrated by unscrupulous persons invoking the name of government officials to solicit money from stakeholders.
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