Beware of Extortion Schemes Using Official Names
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has alerted the public about ongoing extortion schemes that misuse the names of BI officials. These scams aim to deceive and pressure unsuspecting individuals by posing as legitimate government communications.
In a recent incident, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado discovered a forged letter sent to a Pampanga resident in April 2025. This letter bore counterfeit signatures, including his own and that of a supposed Immigration officer.
Details of the Fraudulent Document
The letter, written in broken English and filled with factual errors, referenced a fabricated case involving a foreign national allegedly detained for unauthorized entry via a private jet from Baghdad. It urged the recipient to cease contact with this individual and threatened legal action for supposed money laundering.
Furthermore, the document instructed the recipient to reach out to a purported BI officer through Facebook and a mobile number. It also mentioned unregistered payments supposedly made to a bank account, aiming to intimidate and mislead the victim.
Understanding the Scheme and Protecting Yourself
Commissioner Viado explained that this letter is likely part of a love scam designed to extort money by convincing victims that their foreign partners are being detained by the government. He cautioned the public to stay vigilant and not fall prey to such tactics.
“These types of fraudulent documents are used by scammers to create fear and urgency… Let me be clear: the Bureau does not authorize payments through personal accounts, nor do we issue instructions through unofficial channels. Do not fall for these types of scams,” Viado emphasized.
To avoid becoming a target of these extortion schemes, always verify any communication claiming to be from government agencies. Remember that official instructions will never come through personal accounts or informal means.
Stay Alert and Report Suspicious Activity
If you receive suspicious letters or messages involving the Bureau of Immigration or its officials, do not respond or provide any personal information. Instead, report the incident to the appropriate authorities immediately.
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