Receiving a fake subpoena letter in the Philippines can feel terrifying, especially if it threatens arrest, deportation, public embarrassment, a criminal case, or immediate payment. The most important thing to know is this: a real subpoena is a formal legal order issued by a court or another body authorized by law. A fake subpoena used to scare someone into paying money, signing documents, leaving a property, withdrawing a complaint, or obeying an unlawful demand can create serious legal consequences for the person who made or used it.

This guide explains how to recognize a suspicious subpoena, how to verify it safely, what evidence to preserve, where to report it, and what legal remedies may apply under Philippine law.

What a subpoena means in Philippine law

A subpoena is a legal process requiring a person to appear and testify at a hearing, trial, investigation, deposition, or similar proceeding before a competent authority. A subpoena duces tecum is a subpoena that also requires the person to bring specific documents, books, records, or things. Under Rule 21 of the Rules of Court, a subpoena may be issued by a court, certain authorized officers or bodies, and in specific situations by a Supreme Court or Court of Appeals Justice. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

A real subpoena is not the same as:

a demand letter from a lawyer;
a collection letter from a lending company;
a barangay invitation;
a text message saying “you are summoned”;
a social media warning from a collector or complainant;
a private company notice using legal-sounding words.

A demand letter may be serious, but it is not automatically a subpoena. A private person, collector, company, or law office cannot simply create a “subpoena” to force you to pay or appear unless it is actually issued through a court or legally authorized office.

What a real subpoena should contain

A legitimate subpoena in the Philippines usually has enough identifying details for you to verify it. Rule 21 requires the subpoena to state the name of the court and the title of the action or investigation, be directed to the person required to attend, and command attendance at a specified time and place. For a subpoena duces tecum, the documents or things required must be reasonably described and appear prima facie relevant. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Common features of a real subpoena include:

What to check	What you should see
Issuing authority	Court, prosecutor’s office, administrative agency, legislative body, or another office authorized by law
Case details	Case title, docket number, investigation number, or reference number
Recipient	Your name or the correct legal name of the person summoned
Purpose	Hearing, preliminary investigation, deposition, trial, administrative proceeding, or document production
Date, time, and place	Specific schedule and official venue
Signature	Judge, clerk of court, prosecutor, hearing officer, or authorized official
Service	Personal or proper substituted service, usually with a copy given to the recipient
For documents	Specific documents or records requested, not vague fishing demands

Service of a subpoena is also regulated. The Rules of Court require the original to be shown and a copy delivered to the person served, with reasonable time for preparation and travel. Costs of attendance may also be tendered or charged as allowed by the rules. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Common red flags of a fake subpoena letter

A suspicious letter is not automatically fake, but these warning signs should make you verify before doing anything:

It demands payment to a personal bank account, GCash, Maya, remittance center, or cryptocurrency wallet.
It says you will be arrested “today” or “within 24 hours” unless you pay.
It uses the word “subpoena” but comes from a private collector, private company, or unknown law office without an official case number.
The letter has no docket number, investigation number, court branch, prosecutor’s office, or official address.
The sender refuses to let you verify with the court, prosecutor, barangay, police, NBI, BI, BIR, or other supposed issuing office.
It uses a Gmail, Yahoo, Facebook, Telegram, or Viber account instead of an official government channel.
It threatens deportation, hold departure orders, public shaming, or imprisonment for a purely civil debt.
It contains obvious errors: wrong court name, wrong seal, misspelled government office, fake judge name, or copied logos.
It says “subpoena warrant,” “arrest subpoena,” or “final criminal subpoena” in a way that does not match actual legal process.
It pressures you to sign a quitclaim, settlement, waiver, resignation, deed, or acknowledgment immediately.

A real subpoena can be inconvenient and intimidating, but it should be verifiable. A fake one often relies on panic, shame, and a short deadline.

Why fake subpoena letters are legally serious

Using a fake subpoena is not just “pananakot” or a harmless bluff. Depending on the facts, it may involve criminal, civil, administrative, data privacy, or cybercrime issues.

Falsification of documents

If someone creates or uses a fake court, prosecutor, police, NBI, BI, BIR, barangay, or government-looking subpoena, the facts may point to falsification under the Revised Penal Code.

Article 171 punishes falsification by public officers, employees, notaries, or certain authorized persons, including acts such as counterfeiting signatures, making it appear that people participated in an act when they did not, making untruthful statements in a narration of facts, altering dates, or making alterations in a genuine document. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Article 172 covers falsification by private individuals and the use of falsified documents, including falsification of public, official, or commercial documents and use of such falsified documents. (Supreme Court E-Library)

A fake subpoena can be especially serious if it carries a forged signature of a judge, prosecutor, clerk of court, police officer, immigration officer, barangay official, or lawyer.

Pretending to have official authority

If the sender pretends to be a public officer or performs an act that belongs to a public officer or government authority, the conduct may also fall under usurpation of official functions under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code. This provision covers a person who, under pretense of official position and without lawful entitlement, performs an act pertaining to a person in authority or public officer. (Lawphil)

This may be relevant when someone:

signs as a fake sheriff, prosecutor, police officer, immigration officer, or court employee;
serves a fake legal order while pretending to be from the court;
uses a fake badge, seal, office title, or government email style;
tells the victim that they are officially authorized to arrest, detain, deport, or seize property.

Threats, coercion, or unjust vexation

If the fake subpoena is used to force you to pay, leave, stop complaining, withdraw a case, resign, surrender property, or do something against your will, other Revised Penal Code offenses may be considered.

Article 282 covers grave threats, including threats to commit a wrong amounting to a crime. The penalty treatment becomes more serious when the threat is made with a demand for money or another condition, and written threats are specifically addressed. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Article 286 covers grave coercions, where a person, without lawful authority and through violence, prevents another from doing something not prohibited by law or compels another to do something against their will. Article 287 also covers light coercions and unjust vexation-type conduct. (Supreme Court E-Library)

In practice, prosecutors look closely at the exact words used, the demand made, the identity of the sender, the surrounding circumstances, and whether the threat caused fear, damage, or compelled action.

Cybercrime if sent online or digitally altered

If the fake subpoena was created, edited, sent, or circulated through email, Messenger, Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, social media, or another computer system, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 may also matter.

Republic Act No. 10175 includes computer-related forgery, computer-related fraud, and computer-related identity theft. It also covers crimes under the Revised Penal Code and special laws when committed through information and communications technologies. (Supreme Court E-Library)

This is important when the fake subpoena involves:

edited PDF files;
fake court or government email accounts;
copied signatures or seals;
impersonation of lawyers or officials online;
mass sending to relatives, employers, co-workers, or group chats;
fake “legal notice” posts intended to shame or pressure a person.

The law designates the NBI and PNP as cybercrime law enforcement authorities and provides rules on preservation of certain computer data in proper cases. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Civil liability for damages

Even if the facts do not result in a criminal conviction, the victim may have possible civil remedies.

Articles 19, 20, and 21 of the Civil Code require people to act with justice, give everyone their due, observe honesty and good faith, and compensate another for damage caused by acts contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, or public policy. (Lawphil)

Civil claims may be relevant if the fake subpoena caused:

loss of employment or business;
reputational damage;
emotional distress supported by evidence;
forced payment;
loss of property;
medical or psychological expenses;
travel expenses or missed work;
damage to immigration, family, or employment relationships.

Immediate steps to take if you receive a suspicious subpoena

1. Do not panic, pay, or click links

A fake subpoena works because it creates fear. Before responding:

Do not send money.
Do not admit liability.
Do not sign a settlement or waiver.
Do not click suspicious links or QR codes.
Do not send your passport, ID, bank details, or one-time passwords.
Do not meet the sender alone in a private place.

If the message threatens immediate physical harm, stalking, or forced entry, prioritize safety and contact local authorities.

2. Preserve all evidence before blocking the sender

Many people delete the message out of fear or embarrassment. That can make the case harder to prove.

Save:

the original letter, envelope, courier pouch, or delivery receipt;
screenshots showing the sender’s name, number, username, profile URL, and timestamp;
the PDF or image file exactly as received;
email headers, if sent by email;
call logs and voicemail recordings, if legally available;
chat history before and after the fake subpoena;
bank, GCash, Maya, remittance, or payment details demanded;
names of witnesses who saw the letter or heard the threats;
photos or CCTV if someone personally delivered it.

For online evidence, take screenshots that show the full screen, date, time, sender identity, and message sequence. Also keep the original device and original files where possible.

3. Compare the letter with the basic requirements of a real subpoena

Ask simple questions:

What court, prosecutor’s office, agency, or body supposedly issued it?
Is there a real case number or investigation number?
Is the address of the hearing official and verifiable?
Does the document name a real official?
Is it asking you to attend a legal proceeding, or merely demanding payment?
Is the sender a private collector or private complainant pretending to have court power?
Does it describe documents with specificity if it asks you to bring records?

A subpoena that only says “pay now or face arrest” is not behaving like a normal subpoena.

4. Verify directly with the supposed issuing office

Do not use the phone number or link printed on the suspicious letter as your only source of verification. Find the official contact details independently.

Depending on the letter, verify with:

the specific court branch;
the Office of the Clerk of Court;
the Office of the City or Provincial Prosecutor;
the barangay hall;
the police station or unit named;
the NBI office named;
the Bureau of Immigration, BIR, SEC, BSP, or other agency named.

When calling or visiting, ask:

Does this case, docket number, or investigation number exist?
Was a subpoena issued to me?
Who signed it?
When and how was it supposed to be served?
Is there an official hearing date?
Can I obtain a certified copy or confirmation?

Write down the name and position of the person you spoke with, the date and time of verification, and what they said.

5. If it is real, do not ignore it

If verification shows that the subpoena is genuine, treat it seriously. Failure to comply with a court-issued subpoena without adequate cause may lead to contempt, and the court or judge may issue a warrant to arrest the witness under Rule 21 in proper circumstances. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Your options may include:

appearing as required;
requesting clarification;
filing a motion to quash the subpoena;
asking for resetting if there is a valid reason;
submitting a counter-affidavit in a prosecutor’s preliminary investigation;
raising privilege, confidentiality, relevance, oppression, or impossibility where legally proper.

Rule 21 allows a subpoena to be quashed in certain situations, such as when it is unreasonable and oppressive, seeks irrelevant materials, or when required costs are not properly handled. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

6. If it is fake, prepare a complaint package

Once the issuing office confirms it is fake, or the circumstances strongly show intimidation, organize your evidence before filing. A clear complaint package helps the barangay, police, NBI, prosecutor, or regulator understand the case faster.

Where to report a fake subpoena in the Philippines

The correct office depends on what happened. Some cases require more than one report.

Situation	Where to go	What to bring	Practical notes
Immediate threat, harassment, stalking, or personal confrontation	Barangay, local police station, or emergency authorities	ID, copy of fake subpoena, screenshots, names of suspects, location details	A police blotter or incident report can help document the first report
Fake court, prosecutor, police, NBI, BI, BIR, or barangay document	Local police, NBI, or Office of the Prosecutor	Original document, verification from the real office, screenshots, witness statements	Ask the real office whether it can issue written confirmation that the document is not theirs
Fake subpoena sent online, by email, chat, or social media	PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI Cybercrime Division	Device, original files, URLs, screenshots, sender accounts, email headers	Digital preservation matters because accounts can be deleted quickly
Debt collector or online lending app using fake legal papers	Lending/financing company complaints desk, SEC, BSP, Insurance Commission, CDA, or other regulator depending on the entity	Loan documents, payment history, collector messages, fake subpoena, proof of harassment	RA 11765 protects financial consumers and prohibits abusive collection and debt recovery practices by financial service providers. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Personal data misuse, contact-list shaming, or sending fake notices to relatives/employers	National Privacy Commission	Screenshots, proof of data misuse, IDs, notarized complaint form or authorized representative documents	The NPC states that a formal complaint uses a specific form and must generally be printed, filled out, notarized, and submitted through the proper channels. (National Privacy Commission)
Damage to reputation, business, employment, or finances	Regular courts, after evidence gathering	Proof of damage, witnesses, documents, receipts, medical or psychological records if relevant	Civil damages may be based on the Civil Code, depending on proof and circumstances

How to file a criminal complaint for a fake subpoena

A criminal complaint is usually filed with the Office of the City Prosecutor or Office of the Provincial Prosecutor that has jurisdiction over the place where the offense happened, where the fake document was received, where the threat was made, or where an essential element occurred. Cybercrime matters may also involve specialized cybercrime units for evidence gathering.

Step 1: Prepare a complaint-affidavit

A complaint-affidavit is your sworn written statement. It should tell the story clearly:

who sent or delivered the fake subpoena;
when and where you received it;
what the document said;
what the sender demanded;
what threats were made;
how you verified that it was fake;
what damage, fear, payment, or action resulted;
what law enforcement or office you reported to.

Use exact words as much as possible. For example, write “The sender said, ‘Pay today or police will arrest you tomorrow,’” instead of simply writing “The sender threatened me.”

Step 2: Attach and mark your evidence

Attach evidence as annexes:

Annex “A” – fake subpoena letter;
Annex “B” – screenshots of messages;
Annex “C” – email header or original email printout;
Annex “D” – verification from the court or office;
Annex “E” – payment proof, if money was sent;
Annex “F” – police blotter or incident report;
Annex “G” – witness affidavits;
Annex “H” – proof of damage, such as employer notice, medical certificate, receipts, or business records.

Keep originals safe. File copies unless the prosecutor or investigator asks to inspect the original.

Step 3: Have affidavits properly sworn

Affidavits generally need to be signed under oath before a prosecutor, notary public, or other officer authorized to administer oaths.

For Filipinos or foreigners abroad, documents may need consular notarization or notarization in the foreign country followed by an apostille if the country is part of the Apostille Convention. The DFA explains that the Philippines became a party to the Apostille Convention on 14 May 2019, simplifying authentication of public documents for use between member countries. (Apostille Service)

If the document is in a foreign language, a certified English translation may be needed.

Step 4: File with the prosecutor or appropriate investigating office

At filing, bring:

valid ID;
signed and sworn complaint-affidavit;
copies of annexes;
original evidence for comparison;
names and contact details of witnesses;
proof of residence or contact details;
authorization or Special Power of Attorney, if filing through a representative.

In many prosecutor’s offices, you will submit multiple copies: one for the prosecutor, one for the respondent, one for receiving, and sometimes additional copies depending on local practice. Requirements vary by office, so prepare extra photocopies and digital backups.

Step 5: Participate in preliminary investigation if required

If the offense requires preliminary investigation, the prosecutor evaluates whether the case should be filed in court. The Supreme Court has recognized the validity of the 2024 DOJ-NPS Rules on Preliminary Investigation and Inquest Proceedings, which raised the prosecutor’s evidence assessment standard to whether the evidence sufficiently establishes all elements of the crime and warrants conviction.

In practical terms, this means your complaint should not rely only on anger or suspicion. It should clearly connect the evidence to the elements of the possible offense.

Step 6: Track your case

After filing, keep:

receiving copy with stamp;
docket or I.S. number;
name of assigned prosecutor or investigator;
dates of hearings or submissions;
proof of service;
copies of all counter-affidavits and replies.

Do not rely only on verbal updates. Ask how notices will be sent and keep your address, email, and phone number updated.

Special case: fake subpoena used by debt collectors or online lending apps

Debt collection is one of the most common situations where fake legal-looking letters are used to intimidate people.

A lender, financing company, collection agency, or law office may send a demand letter. It may also file a proper civil or criminal complaint if there is a legal basis. But it cannot lawfully create a fake court subpoena or pretend that a court, prosecutor, police officer, or government agency has already ordered you to appear when that is not true.

Republic Act No. 11765, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act of 2022, recognizes financial consumer rights such as fair treatment, transparency, protection from fraud and misuse, data privacy, and timely complaints handling. It also prohibits financial service providers from using abusive collection or debt recovery practices. (Supreme Court E-Library)

For lending and financing companies, the SEC lists Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019 as the issuance on the prohibition of unfair debt collection practices of financing and lending companies. (SEC Appointment System)

Examples of collection behavior that should be documented and reported include:

sending a fake subpoena to the borrower;
sending fake police or court documents to relatives;
threatening arrest for nonpayment of an ordinary debt;
posting the borrower’s photo as a “criminal”;
messaging employers, neighbors, or contact lists to shame the borrower;
pretending that a prosecutor or judge has already issued an order;
using threats of deportation against a foreigner to collect money.

Special case: foreigners, expats, and OFWs receiving fake subpoenas

Foreigners and Filipinos abroad are often targeted because they may not know Philippine procedure.

For foreigners in the Philippines

Be careful with letters threatening:

deportation;
blacklisting;
hold departure;
arrest at the airport;
cancellation of visa;
“immigration subpoena” unless payment is made.

Immigration matters are handled through proper Bureau of Immigration procedures. A private landlord, partner, employer, lender, or complainant cannot simply deport someone through a fake subpoena letter.

For OFWs or Filipinos abroad

If you receive a fake subpoena abroad involving a Philippine dispute:

Verify with the supposed Philippine issuing office.
Preserve the email, chat, envelope, or courier record.
Ask a trusted representative in the Philippines to obtain verification if needed.
Use a Special Power of Attorney if someone will file or follow up for you.
Have foreign-executed documents notarized and authenticated properly for Philippine use.

Apostille or consular authentication issues can delay filing, so handle documents early if the matter is urgent.

What if the subpoena is real but unreasonable?

Sometimes the problem is not that the subpoena is fake, but that it is overbroad, burdensome, impossible, or legally improper.

Examples:

You are asked to bring “all documents from the last 20 years” without clear relevance.
You are asked to disclose privileged communications.
You are required to appear on very short notice from a distant province or another country.
The subpoena names the wrong person.
The subpoena demands documents you do not possess.
The request appears oppressive or meant to harass.

Do not simply ignore a real subpoena. Instead, consider filing a motion to quash, written explanation, manifestation, or other proper pleading with the issuing court or body. Rule 21 allows quashing in specific circumstances, including where the subpoena is unreasonable and oppressive or where the documents sought are not relevant. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Barangay, police, NBI, or prosecutor: which one should you choose?

Many people first go to the barangay because it is nearby. That can help for documentation or immediate community intervention, but not every fake subpoena issue is a barangay matter.

Under Katarungang Pambarangay rules, certain disputes may go through barangay conciliation, but there are important exceptions, including offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year or a fine exceeding ₱5,000, offenses with no private offended party, and urgent matters requiring immediate legal action. (Lawphil)

As a practical guide:

Go to the barangay for local harassment, neighbor disputes, or documentation of minor incidents.
Go to the police if there are threats, stalking, personal confrontation, or need for a blotter.
Go to the NBI or PNP cybercrime unit if the fake subpoena was digital, involved fake accounts, or used online impersonation.
Go to the prosecutor if you are ready to file a criminal complaint.
Go to the regulator if the sender is a lending company, financing company, bank, insurer, cooperative, online lending app, or financial service provider.
Go to the NPC if personal data was misused, exposed, or sent to third parties.

Practical evidence checklist

Before filing any complaint, organize your documents. A well-prepared file can make the first interview more productive.

Evidence	Why it matters
Fake subpoena letter	Main document showing the misrepresentation
Original envelope or courier proof	Helps identify sender and delivery method
Screenshots of chats	Shows threats, demands, and sender identity
Email headers	Helps trace digital origin
Sender profile links or numbers	Helps investigators identify accounts
Payment instructions	Shows motive and possible extortion demand
Proof of payment	Shows damage if money was sent
Verification from real office	Strong evidence that the document is fake
Witness affidavits	Supports delivery, threats, fear, or damage
Police blotter	Documents early report
Medical or psychological records	Supports claims of serious distress or harm
Employer or family messages	Shows reputational or economic damage
Device containing original files	Useful for cybercrime investigation

Common mistakes to avoid

Paying “just to make it go away”

Payment can encourage more demands. If you already paid, save proof and include it in your complaint.

Deleting the messages after blocking the sender

Blocking may stop harassment, but deleting evidence can weaken the case. Save first, block later.

Posting the suspect online without strategy

Publicly accusing someone may create separate defamation or privacy issues, especially if the identity is uncertain. Preserve evidence and report through proper channels.

Ignoring a real subpoena because fake ones exist

A genuine subpoena can carry consequences. Verify first. If real, respond properly.

Assuming all legal-looking letters are court orders

Lawyers and companies can send demand letters, notices, or invitations. These may have legal significance, but they are not the same as court-issued subpoenas.

Filing with the wrong office and stopping there

Sometimes one report is not enough. A fake subpoena used by an online lending app may involve a prosecutor complaint, cybercrime report, SEC complaint, and NPC complaint depending on the facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a demand letter from a lawyer the same as a subpoena?

No. A demand letter is a notice from a person, company, or lawyer demanding payment or action. A subpoena is a legal process issued by a court or another body authorized by law requiring attendance or production of documents. A demand letter can warn that a case may be filed, but it cannot pretend that a court has already ordered you to appear if that is false.

Can a debt collector send me a subpoena?

A debt collector can send a collection notice or demand letter, but a private collector cannot issue a court subpoena on their own. If the document claims to be from a court, prosecutor, or government office, verify directly with that office. Fake legal documents used for debt collection should be preserved and reported.

Can I ignore a fake subpoena?

Do not obey the fake demand or pay out of fear, but do not simply delete it. Preserve the document, verify with the supposed issuing office, and report it if it is being used to threaten, defraud, or harass you. If it turns out to be real, ignoring it can have legal consequences.

Can a subpoena cause immediate arrest in the Philippines?

A subpoena is generally an order to appear or produce documents; it is not the same as a warrant of arrest. However, if a court-issued subpoena is validly served and a witness refuses to obey without adequate cause, contempt and other court remedies may follow under Rule 21. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

What crime is committed by making a fake subpoena?

Depending on the facts, possible issues include falsification of documents, use of falsified documents, usurpation of official functions, threats, coercion, unjust vexation, computer-related forgery, computer-related fraud, or identity theft. The exact charge depends on the document, sender, intent, method, demand, and evidence.

What documents do I need to file a complaint?

Prepare a complaint-affidavit, valid ID, the fake subpoena, screenshots, original messages or emails, verification from the supposed issuing office, proof of payment if any, witness affidavits, and proof of damage. Bring originals for comparison and multiple photocopies for filing.

What if the fake subpoena was sent through Messenger, Viber, Telegram, or email?

Preserve the account name, username, profile URL, phone number, timestamps, full conversation, and original files. Report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI Cybercrime Division if the matter involves online impersonation, digital forgery, threats, or fraud. RA 10175 covers several computer-related offenses and crimes committed through ICT. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Can foreigners file a complaint in the Philippines?

Yes. Foreigners can report crimes and file complaints if they are victims or if the offense has a Philippine connection. If the foreigner is abroad, documents may need to be signed before a consular officer or notarized abroad and apostilled where applicable. A representative may also need a proper Special Power of Attorney.

Can I sue for damages if the fake subpoena harmed my reputation?

Possibly. Civil liability may arise when someone willfully or negligently causes damage contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, or public policy. You will need evidence of the wrongful act, the damage suffered, and the connection between them. (Lawphil)

What if the sender is using a real lawyer’s name without permission?

Save the document and verify with the lawyer or law office through independent contact details. If the lawyer confirms that the document is fake or the signature was used without authority, ask for written confirmation if possible. That confirmation can be useful in a falsification, cybercrime, or impersonation complaint.

Key Takeaways

A real subpoena in the Philippines must come from a court or legally authorized body, not from a private person using fear tactics.
Fake subpoena letters are often used to pressure people into paying money, signing papers, leaving property, withdrawing complaints, or submitting to unlawful demands.
Verify suspicious subpoenas directly with the supposed issuing office using official contact details, not the phone number printed on the suspicious letter.
Preserve the original document, screenshots, sender details, payment demands, and verification records before blocking or deleting anything.
Depending on the facts, fake subpoenas may involve falsification, use of falsified documents, usurpation of official functions, threats, coercion, cybercrime, privacy violations, abusive debt collection, and civil damages.
If the subpoena is real, do not ignore it. Comply, seek clarification, or use proper remedies such as a motion to quash when legally appropriate.
Debt collectors, online lending apps, landlords, employers, relatives, or private complainants cannot lawfully create fake court or government subpoenas to intimidate you.
For online fake subpoenas, preserve digital evidence quickly because accounts, files, and messages can disappear.