If you are about to send money, sign a contract, accept a job offer, buy from an online seller, invest in a “guaranteed return” scheme, borrow from an online lender, or reserve a condo unit, do not rely on a nice logo, Facebook page, business card, or screenshot of a certificate. In the Philippines, a company may look legitimate online but still be unregistered, expired, unauthorized for the activity it is offering, or using another company’s name. The safest approach is to check the business through the correct government records, compare the details carefully, and know when a simple registration is not enough.

What “Legitimate Company” Means in the Philippines

A company or business can be “legitimate” in several different ways. These are not the same.

A business may be:

Registered with the SEC as a corporation or partnership
Registered with DTI as a sole proprietorship business name
Registered with BIR for tax purposes
Licensed by the city or municipality through a mayor’s permit or business permit
Authorized by a special regulator to offer regulated products, such as investments, lending, insurance, banking, food, medicine, construction, or real estate projects

The most common mistake is thinking that “SEC registered” automatically means the business is safe. It does not.

SEC or DTI registration usually means the entity or business name exists. It does not automatically prove that:

The company is financially stable
The person contacting you is authorized to represent it
The company can legally solicit investments
The business has a valid mayor’s permit
The business is tax-compliant
The product, project, loan, or investment offer is approved
The company is not involved in complaints, advisories, or fraud

A proper legitimacy check is a layered check.

The Four-Layer Rule for Checking a Company

Before trusting a company in the Philippines, check these four layers:

Layer	What It Answers	Where to Check
Entity registration	Does the corporation, partnership, or business name exist?	SEC, DTI, CDA
Local authority to operate	Can it operate at that address and for that activity?	Barangay and city/municipal LGU
Tax registration	Is it registered to issue invoices and operate as a taxpayer?	BIR
Special authority	Is it licensed for a regulated business?	SEC, BSP, Insurance Commission, FDA, PCAB, DHSUD, DMW, DOLE, PRC, or other regulator

A real company should be able to give you details that match across these layers.

Step 1: Get the Exact Business Details First

Before searching any government database, ask for the company’s exact details. Do not search only the brand name, app name, store name, or Facebook page name.

Ask for:

Registered legal name
Trade name or brand name, if different
SEC registration number, if a corporation or partnership
DTI business name number, if a sole proprietorship
TIN, or Taxpayer Identification Number
BIR Certificate of Registration, usually BIR Form 2303
Current mayor’s permit or business permit
Business address
Name of the owner, president, general manager, or authorized representative
Secondary license, certificate of authority, or accreditation, if the business is regulated
Official website, email domain, phone number, and physical office
Bank account name where payment will be sent

The exact name matters. “ABC Trading,” “ABC Trading OPC,” “ABC Trading Corporation,” and “ABC Online Shop” may refer to different things.

For app-based businesses, always check the name behind the app. Many scams use an app name that is different from the registered company name.

Step 2: Check If It Is Registered with the SEC

Corporations and partnerships in the Philippines are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under the Revised Corporation Code, Republic Act No. 11232, a corporation’s legal existence begins upon issuance of the certificate of incorporation by the SEC. This means the SEC record is the starting point when checking a corporation.

How to Check SEC Registration

You can check SEC-related records through official SEC channels such as:

SEC eSPARC for company registration and name verification services
Check with SEC for company and investment-related verification
SEC eSEARCH for downloadable SEC documents
SEC Express System for requesting SEC documents online
SEC i-Message Mo for SEC concerns, feedback, and reports

When checking a company, search the exact corporate name. Do not rely only on partial matches.

What SEC Documents to Look For

For a corporation, useful SEC documents include:

Document	What It Shows	Why It Matters
Certificate of Incorporation	Confirms that the corporation was registered	Proves legal existence, but not special authority
Articles of Incorporation	Corporate name, purpose, address, incorporators, capital structure	Shows whether the business activity is within its stated purpose
By-laws	Internal governance rules	Useful for larger transactions
General Information Sheet	Current directors, officers, stockholders, office address	Helps verify who can represent the company
Audited Financial Statements	Financial condition and filing history	Useful before investing, lending, supplying, or entering a major contract
Amended Articles or latest filings	Changes in name, address, capital, or structure	Prevents reliance on outdated information

A certificate of incorporation is important, but it is only one document. It does not prove that the company is licensed to solicit investments, lend money, sell insurance, operate as a bank, sell a subdivision project, or market health products.

Watch for SEC Registration Misuse

A company may show an SEC certificate to create trust. Read it carefully.

Common problems include:

The certificate belongs to a different company
The name is similar but not identical
The certificate is old or cancelled
The company is registered but not authorized for the offered activity
The person using the certificate is not connected to the company
The company’s purpose in the Articles does not match what it is selling
The company is using a “trade name” that does not appear in official records

A good rule: SEC registration proves existence, not legitimacy of the specific offer.

Step 3: Check If It Is Registered with DTI

If the business is owned by one individual, it may be a sole proprietorship registered with the Department of Trade and Industry.

You can search business names through the DTI Business Name Search under the Business Name Registration System.

DTI business name registration is common for small businesses, online shops, freelancers, clinics, salons, restaurants, and single-owner trading businesses.

What DTI Registration Means

A DTI certificate means a person registered a business name. It does not create a corporation.

For example:

“Maria Santos Trading” may be a DTI-registered business name.
The legal owner is still Maria Santos as an individual.
The business is not a separate juridical person like a corporation.
Debts and liabilities may still attach to the owner, subject to the facts and applicable law.

A DTI certificate also does not prove that the business has a mayor’s permit, BIR registration, special license, or clean record.

DTI Fees and Validity

Under DTI’s BNRS system, business name registration fees depend on territorial scope:

Territorial Scope	DTI Registration Fee
Barangay	₱200
City/Municipality	₱500
Regional	₱1,000
National	₱2,000

A documentary stamp tax is also charged. DTI business name registration is generally valid for five years.

For foreign sole proprietors, DTI may require additional documents, such as authority to engage in business, proof of inward remittance, and appointment of a resident agent, depending on the circumstances.

Step 4: Check the Mayor’s Permit and Barangay Clearance

A business that is registered with SEC or DTI still needs local authority to operate.

The Local Government Code, Republic Act No. 7160, gives local government units authority over business permits, local taxes, and regulatory requirements within their territory.

In practice, a business usually needs:

Barangay business clearance
Mayor’s permit or business permit
Zoning or locational clearance
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
Sanitary permit, if applicable
Other local clearances depending on the activity

What to Check in a Mayor’s Permit

Ask for a copy of the current mayor’s permit and check:

Business name
Registered owner or corporation
Business address
Type of business activity
Permit year
Official LGU issuing office
Business tax or permit number
Whether it covers a branch, warehouse, clinic, restaurant, office, or online business office

A permit for one address does not automatically cover another branch. A permit for “general merchandise” may not cover lending, recruitment, health products, construction, or investment activities.

A barangay clearance is useful, but it is not the same as a mayor’s permit.

Step 5: Check BIR Registration and Invoices

The Bureau of Internal Revenue registration is another practical check.

A legitimate operating business should generally be able to show:

BIR Certificate of Registration, usually BIR Form 2303
TIN
Registered business address
Registered tax types
Authority to print or issue invoices, or authority to use an approved invoicing system
Official invoice or other BIR-compliant sales document

You can review BIR registration information and business registration procedures through the BIR primary registration page and BIR NewBizReg portal.

Why BIR Registration Matters

BIR registration does not guarantee that a company is honest, but it is a basic sign that the business is operating formally.

Be cautious if the company:

Refuses to issue an invoice
Gives only an acknowledgment receipt for a commercial sale
Uses a personal TIN when claiming to be a corporation
Sends payments to an unrelated personal account
Cannot show a BIR Certificate of Registration
Gives a receipt under a different business name

For online businesses, BIR rules also require business taxpayers to display registration information or make it available through their platform, depending on how they operate.

Step 6: Check Whether the Business Needs a Special License

This is the most important part for many scams.

Some businesses are not legally allowed to operate based on SEC or DTI registration alone. They need a secondary license, certificate of authority, permit, accreditation, or registration from a specific regulator.

Common Regulated Activities in the Philippines

Business Activity	What to Verify	Government Office
Investment offers, shares, pooled funds, “trading” programs	Registration of securities, authority to solicit investments, licensed brokers or salespersons	SEC
Lending companies and online lending apps	Certificate of Authority under the Lending Company Regulation Act	SEC
Financing companies	Certificate of Authority under the Financing Company Act	SEC
Banks, remittance, e-money, pawnshops, virtual asset service providers	BSP supervision, license, or registration	BSP
Insurance, HMOs, pre-need plans	Certificate of Authority or license	Insurance Commission
Food, medicine, cosmetics, medical devices, supplements	FDA License to Operate and product registration or notification	FDA
Contractors and construction companies	PCAB license	PCAB / CIAP
Subdivision or condominium pre-selling	Certificate of Registration and License to Sell for the specific project	DHSUD
Overseas recruitment	Valid license and job order	DMW
Local recruitment or manpower services	DOLE registration or applicable license	DOLE
Cooperatives	CDA registration	Cooperative Development Authority

Checking Investment Companies and “Guaranteed Return” Offers

For investment offers, the most relevant law is the Securities Regulation Code, Republic Act No. 8799.

Under the Securities Regulation Code, securities generally cannot be sold or offered to the public in the Philippines unless they are registered or exempt, and brokers, dealers, and salespersons must be properly registered.

Be extra careful with offers that involve:

Guaranteed monthly returns
“Passive income”
Crypto trading pools
Forex trading pools
“Slots” or “packages”
Referral commissions
Promises that your money will double
Celebrity photos or fake endorsements
Pressure to invest quickly
Claims that “SEC registered” is enough

A corporation may be SEC registered as a business entity but still have no authority to solicit investments.

Before investing, check:

Is the company registered with the SEC?
Is the specific investment product registered?
Are the salespersons licensed or authorized?
Is there an SEC advisory against the company or its related entities?
Are returns guaranteed in a way that sounds unrealistic?
Is your payment going to the company’s official account, not a personal wallet?
Is there a written contract, risk disclosure, and official receipt?

If the answer is unclear, treat the transaction as high-risk.

Checking Lending and Financing Companies

Online lending is a common area of complaints in the Philippines.

Lending companies are governed by the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007, Republic Act No. 9474. Financing companies are governed by the Financing Company Act, Republic Act No. 8556.

A lending or financing business generally needs SEC registration and a Certificate of Authority.

Before borrowing from an online lender, check:

Company’s exact SEC-registered name
Certificate of Authority number
Whether the online lending app is connected to that company
Published interest rates, penalties, and fees
Privacy practices and collection practices
SEC advisories or complaints
Whether the loan agreement uses the same legal entity

Be suspicious if the app name, lending company name, bank account, and collection agency name do not match.

Checking Banks, E-Wallets, Remittance, and Financial Institutions

For banks and many financial institutions, check the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The BSP maintains directories and lists of supervised financial institutions. These are useful when checking banks, non-bank financial institutions, remittance businesses, pawnshops, and other BSP-supervised entities.

For financial consumer issues, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, Republic Act No. 11765, gives regulators like the BSP, SEC, Insurance Commission, and Cooperative Development Authority stronger consumer protection powers over financial products and services.

If you are dealing with a financial institution, do not rely on social media pages alone. Verify the institution through the regulator.

Checking Insurance, HMO, and Pre-Need Companies

Insurance companies, insurance agents, brokers, HMOs, and pre-need companies are regulated by the Insurance Commission.

Before paying for an insurance policy, HMO plan, or pre-need product, check the Insurance Commission website for regulated entities and advisories.

Ask for:

Name of the insurance or HMO company
Certificate of Authority
Product name
Agent or broker license
Official receipt
Policy contract
Benefit schedule
Exclusions
Contact details of the insurer, not only the agent

Do not pay premiums to a personal bank account unless the insurer’s official process clearly allows it and the account is verified.

Checking Food, Medicine, Cosmetics, and Health Products

For health-related products, check the Food and Drug Administration.

Use the FDA Verification Portal to check licensed establishments and registered or notified products.

This matters for:

Medicines
Food supplements
Cosmetics
Medical devices
Processed food
Health products sold online

Be careful with sellers who say “FDA approved” without showing the actual product registration or notification. A seller’s business registration is different from FDA authorization for the product.

Checking Contractors and Construction Companies

For contractors, check the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board.

Use the PCAB Online License Verification to verify contractor licenses.

Before hiring a contractor, ask for:

PCAB license
Business permit
BIR registration
Written construction contract
Scope of work
Progress billing schedule
Warranty terms
Authorized signatory
Official company bank account

A Facebook portfolio or sample house photos are not enough.

Checking Condo, Subdivision, and Pre-Selling Projects

For subdivision and condominium projects, registration of the developer is not enough. The specific project must have a Certificate of Registration and License to Sell.

Check the DHSUD list of projects with License to Sell or verify with the appropriate DHSUD regional office.

Before paying a reservation fee or down payment, ask for:

Developer’s SEC registration
DHSUD Certificate of Registration
DHSUD License to Sell for the specific project
Project name and location
Broker or salesperson accreditation
Sample contract to sell
Reservation agreement
Refund and cancellation terms
Project completion timeline

Be careful with statements like “license is still being processed.” In pre-selling, that is a major warning sign.

Step 7: Verify the Person Representing the Company

Even if the company is real, the person contacting you may not be authorized.

This is especially important for:

Large purchases
Supply agreements
Franchise offers
Investment deals
Real estate transactions
Construction contracts
Foreign company transactions
Contracts signed outside the company office

For corporations, ask for proof of authority, such as:

Secretary’s Certificate
Board Resolution
Notarized authorization
Latest General Information Sheet showing the officer’s name
Company ID and government ID
Official company email address

Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, a person who contracts in the name of another must have authority to do so. Article 1317 is especially relevant because a contract signed by someone without authority may be unenforceable unless properly ratified.

A “sales agent” is not automatically authorized to bind the company.

Step 8: Compare Names, Addresses, and Payment Details

Many scams fail when you compare details carefully.

Check whether these match:

SEC or DTI name
BIR name
Mayor’s permit name
Contract name
Receipt or invoice name
Website name
Email domain
Bank account name
E-wallet name
Address
Phone number
Names of officers or representatives

A mismatch is not always fraud, but it must be explained clearly and documented.

For example:

Situation	Risk Level
SEC name, BIR name, contract name, and bank account all match	Lower risk
Brand name differs but legal company name is disclosed and consistent	Manageable risk
Payment is to an employee’s personal account	High risk
Contract uses one company, receipt uses another	High risk
Company claims to be SEC registered but only shows DTI certificate	High risk
App name has no clear connection to registered company	High risk
Foreign company has no Philippine registration but operates locally	High risk

Step 9: Check for Advisories, Complaints, and Public Warnings

After checking registration, search for warnings.

Look for:

SEC advisories
DTI consumer complaints
BSP warnings
Insurance Commission advisories
FDA warnings
DHSUD project notices
PCAB license status
NBI or PNP public advisories
News reports
Court cases, if any
Social media complaints, treated carefully and verified

A lack of online complaints does not prove the company is safe, especially if it is new. But advisories from regulators should be taken seriously.

Step 10: Test Before Paying a Large Amount

Before sending a large payment:

Ask for official documents.
Verify them through official portals.
Call the office using a number from an official website, not only the number given by the agent.
Visit the office if the amount is significant.
Ask for a written contract.
Pay only to an account under the registered business or company name.
Request a BIR-compliant invoice or receipt.
Keep screenshots, emails, contracts, proof of payment, IDs, and delivery records.

If the company pressures you to pay immediately, treat that as a warning sign.

Required Documents to Ask For

The right documents depend on the transaction, but this table is a practical starting point.

Document	Ask For When	What to Check
SEC Certificate of Incorporation	Corporation or partnership	Exact company name and registration number
Latest General Information Sheet	Corporation	Current officers, directors, address
Articles of Incorporation	Corporation	Business purpose and registered office
DTI Certificate	Sole proprietorship	Owner, business name, territorial scope
Mayor’s Permit	Operating business	Current year, address, business activity
Barangay Clearance	Local business	Barangay and address
BIR Form 2303	Any operating business	TIN, address, tax types
Official invoice	Purchase, service, or payment	Name, TIN, invoice authority
Secondary License or Certificate of Authority	Regulated activity	Regulator, validity, covered activity
Secretary’s Certificate	Corporate contract	Authority of signatory
Product or project registration	FDA, DHSUD, SEC investment product	Exact product or project name
Professional license or accreditation	Broker, agent, professional service	PRC, regulator, or accrediting body

Common Red Flags

Be careful if you see any of these:

“SEC registered” is used as the only proof
Company refuses to give its exact legal name
Business name cannot be found in SEC, DTI, or the relevant regulator
The certificate shown is blurry, cropped, or only a screenshot
The company name on the certificate differs from the payment account
Payment is requested through a personal bank account or personal e-wallet
The business promises guaranteed high returns
The representative avoids written contracts
The company has no verifiable address
The website has no corporate details
The email uses only free accounts for major transactions
The company claims permits are “confidential”
The business says it is “international” but cannot show Philippine authority
The agent discourages you from checking with government offices
You are pressured to decide within hours
The company uses celebrity photos, fake news screenshots, or fake testimonials

A legitimate company may have some imperfect paperwork, especially small businesses. But it should be able to explain issues clearly and provide verifiable documents.

Special Notes for Foreigners Dealing with Philippine Companies

Foreigners should take extra care because Philippine business rules may differ from those in their home country.

Foreign Companies Operating in the Philippines

A foreign company registered abroad is not automatically authorized to do business in the Philippines. Depending on its activities, it may need a license to do business from the SEC and may need local permits, BIR registration, and special licenses.

If a foreign company is actively selling, lending, recruiting, collecting, or operating in the Philippines, ask what Philippine registration or authority it has.

Foreign Ownership Restrictions

The Foreign Investments Act, Republic Act No. 7042, as amended, governs many foreign investment rules. Some industries are open to full foreign ownership, while others are restricted under the Constitution, special laws, or the Foreign Investment Negative List.

Do not assume that a company is properly structured just because it has Filipino nominees, a Philippine address, or SEC registration.

Foreign Documents and Apostille

If a document issued abroad will be used in the Philippines, it is often apostilled if it comes from a country that is part of the Apostille Convention. If not, it may need authentication through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

For major transactions involving foreign companies, compare:

Foreign registration documents
Philippine SEC license or registration, if required
Local tax registration
Local permits
Authority of the signatory
Apostilled or authenticated corporate documents

What to Do If You Think the Company Is Fake or a Scam

Act quickly, especially if money has already been sent.

1. Stop Sending Money

Do not send “processing fees,” “tax clearance fees,” “unlocking fees,” “withdrawal fees,” or “anti-money laundering fees” just to recover your money. These are common second-stage scam tactics.

2. Preserve Evidence

Save:

Screenshots of ads, websites, chats, and profiles
URLs and usernames
Contracts and invoices
Proof of payment
Bank or e-wallet account details
Names and phone numbers used
Delivery records
Email headers, if available
IDs or documents sent to you
Government certificates shown by the company

Do not delete conversations, even if embarrassing or stressful. They may be useful evidence.

3. Report to the Correct Office

Where you report depends on the kind of transaction.

Situation	Where to Report
Investment scam, unauthorized lending, corporate misuse	SEC, including SEC i-Message Mo
Consumer purchase, defective goods, deceptive sales	DTI Consumer Care
Bank, e-wallet, remittance, financial account issue	BSP-supervised institution first, then BSP consumer channels
Insurance, HMO, pre-need issue	Insurance Commission
Fake medicine, supplement, cosmetic, medical device	FDA
Condo or subdivision pre-selling issue	DHSUD regional office
Contractor issue	PCAB / CIAP
Online scam or cyber fraud	NBI Cybercrime Division, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, or DOJ cybercrime reporting

If money was transferred through a bank or e-wallet, contact the financial institution immediately. The Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, Republic Act No. 12010, strengthens the legal framework against financial account scams and related fraudulent schemes.

4. Understand Possible Criminal Laws

Depending on the facts, a fake company or fraudulent transaction may involve:

Estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code
Other deceits under the Revised Penal Code
Cybercrime under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Republic Act No. 10175, if computers, online platforms, or electronic communications were used
Deceptive sales acts under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 7394
Securities, lending, banking, insurance, FDA, real estate, or construction violations, depending on the business

The strongest complaints usually include organized evidence, exact names, dates, amounts, screenshots, and proof of payment.

Practical Verification Checklist

Use this checklist before trusting a company.

Identify the exact legal name.
- Is it a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, cooperative, or foreign company?
Check SEC or DTI registration.
- SEC for corporations and partnerships.
- DTI for sole proprietorship business names.
Check the latest documents.
- For corporations, look for the latest General Information Sheet and other SEC filings.
Check local permits.
- Mayor’s permit and barangay clearance should match the address and activity.
Check BIR registration.
- Ask for BIR Form 2303 and an official invoice.
Check special licenses.
- Investments, lending, banking, insurance, FDA products, real estate projects, and contractors need more than basic registration.
Verify the representative.
- Ask for authority, especially for contracts and large payments.
Compare payment details.
- Avoid sending money to unrelated personal accounts.
Search for advisories.
- Check SEC, DTI, BSP, Insurance Commission, FDA, DHSUD, PCAB, and other relevant agencies.
Keep evidence.
- Save documents, chats, screenshots, receipts, and proof of verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a company is SEC registered in the Philippines?

Search the exact corporate name through SEC online services such as SEC eSPARC, Check with SEC, SEC eSEARCH, or SEC Express. If the company is real, its name and registration details should match the documents it gives you. For serious transactions, request the latest General Information Sheet and other SEC filings, not just the certificate of incorporation.

Is SEC registration enough to prove a company is legitimate?

No. SEC registration usually proves that the corporation or partnership exists. It does not automatically prove that the company can solicit investments, lend money, sell insurance, sell real estate projects, operate as a bank, or sell regulated products. Many activities require a secondary license or special approval.

Is DTI registration enough for an online business?

DTI registration is useful, especially for sole proprietors, but it is not enough by itself. A DTI certificate only registers a business name. The business may still need BIR registration, a mayor’s permit, product permits, and other licenses depending on what it sells.

How do I know if an online lending company is legit?

Check whether the lending company is registered with the SEC and has a Certificate of Authority to operate as a lending company under RA 9474. Also check if the app name matches the registered company, whether the fees and interest are disclosed, and whether there are SEC advisories or complaints.

How can I verify if a condo or subdivision project is legitimate?

Do not check only the developer. Check whether the specific project has a DHSUD Certificate of Registration and License to Sell. Verify the project name, location, developer, and license details through DHSUD or its regional office before paying reservation fees or down payments.

What if I cannot find the business in the SEC database?

It may be a sole proprietorship registered with DTI, a cooperative registered with CDA, a foreign entity, or a business using a trade name. It may also be unregistered or using a different legal name. Ask for the exact registered name and registration number, then search again through the correct agency.

Should I trust a company that only shows a business permit?

A mayor’s permit is helpful, but it does not prove everything. It shows local permission to operate for a certain activity and address. It does not replace SEC or DTI registration, BIR registration, or special licenses for regulated businesses.

What documents should a legitimate company be willing to show?

A legitimate company should generally be willing to show its SEC or DTI registration, BIR Certificate of Registration, current mayor’s permit, official invoice, and any required special license. For larger contracts, it should also show proof that the person signing is authorized, such as a Secretary’s Certificate or Board Resolution.

Can a foreign company legally do business in the Philippines?

Yes, but depending on its activities, it may need SEC registration or a license to do business, BIR registration, local permits, and special regulatory approvals. Foreign ownership restrictions may also apply in certain industries. A foreign registration document alone does not prove authority to operate in the Philippines.

What should I do if I already paid a fake company?

Stop sending money, preserve all evidence, contact your bank or e-wallet immediately, and report to the proper agency. For online fraud, reports may be made to the NBI Cybercrime Division, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, or DOJ cybercrime channels. For investment, lending, consumer, insurance, real estate, or product issues, report to the relevant regulator.

Key Takeaways

SEC or DTI registration is only the first check. It does not automatically prove that a company is safe or authorized for the specific transaction.
Always verify the exact legal name, not just the brand, app, or Facebook page name.
Ask for BIR registration, mayor’s permit, and official invoices when dealing with an operating business.
Regulated activities need special licenses. Investments, lending, banking, insurance, FDA products, construction, and real estate projects require extra verification.
Check whether the person signing or selling is authorized to represent the company.
Compare names across documents, contracts, receipts, permits, and bank accounts. Mismatches are major warning signs.
Do not send large payments to personal accounts unless there is a clear, documented, and legally sensible reason.
For suspected scams, preserve evidence and report quickly to the bank, e-wallet, SEC, DTI, BSP, Insurance Commission, FDA, DHSUD, PCAB, NBI, PNP, or DOJ depending on the situation.