DTI: Beware of balikbayan box scams

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is reminding the public, especially overseas Filipinos to stay vigilant against holiday scams for balikbayan box transactions.

The reminder was issued yesterday by the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) amid an influx of shipments during the holiday season.

DTI-FTEB director Fhillip Sawali reminded the public to transact with accredited seafreight forwarders or SFFs.    

The FTEB implements the accreditation of SFF as part of its mandate to protect consumers from fly-by-night or unaccredited companies.  

As of November 2023, the FTEB has issued 736 SFF accreditations, of which 153 are engaged in balikbayan box shipments.