Scammers can strike anytime and anywhere–even through phone calls from the post office. Find out how the Post Office Scam works and why you should be more vigilant than ever when you answer a phone call.

1. You receive an automated call from “Philpost”, which instructs you to press “9”. This leads you to talk to a fake Philpost representative.
2. The fake Philpost representative informs you that you will be blacklisted from Philpost because you have a parcel that contains suspicious items, such as bank cards, passports, and other illegal documents allegedly involved in money laundering. When you deny the allegation, the representative suggests that you might be a victim of identity theft and refers you to a fake PNP officer.
3. The fake police officer video calls and informs you that your name is on the PNP’s list of money launderers. When you deny this, the officer instructs you to send your bank details, and screenshots of your IDs and mobile banking transactions so the PNP can investigate your banking activities.
4. The officer asks for money as part of the investigation, and orders you to transfer the funds to an e-wallet. This serves as your “digital footprint” needed for the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA) investigation.
5. If you don’t comply, the officer serves an arrest warrant and freeze order to threaten you.

If you get this call, even if it’s allegedly from Philpost or the PNP, don’t allow the caller to intimidate you. Here’s what you should do:

• Never give your personal information, bank details, and copies or screenshots of your banking transactions.
• Verify the phone number before you respond. Remember that caller IDs can be easily spoofed.
• Think before you comply. Don’t just press buttons or respond to prompts from an automated voice message.
• Block suspicious or unidentified callers.

For questions or concerns regarding a parcel or delivery, it’s best to contact Philpost through official communication platforms provided on their official website.

Adapted from “Don’t be a victim of the Post Office Scam”