If you lost money to a “guaranteed income,” “trading,” “crypto,” “forex,” “franchise,” “co-op,” “crowdfunding,” or “networking” investment scheme in the Philippines, an SEC complaint can help trigger government investigation, warnings to the public, cease-and-desist orders, administrative sanctions, and possible referral for criminal prosecution. This guide explains when the Securities and Exchange Commission is the right agency, what evidence to prepare, how to file through the SEC’s online complaint system, and what usually happens after you submit a complaint.
What Counts as Investment Fraud in the Philippines?
Investment fraud usually involves someone asking the public to place money into a scheme with the promise of profit, passive income, dividends, commissions, trading returns, or capital appreciation, while using deception, concealment, or lack of required authority.
Under Republic Act No. 11765, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act of 2022, “investment fraud” includes deceptive solicitation of investments from the public. The law specifically mentions Ponzi schemes, schemes where returns are paid from later investors’ contributions, boiler room operations, and offering or selling investment schemes without the required license, permit, or registration from the proper regulator. (Supreme Court E-Library)
In practical terms, the SEC may be concerned when a scheme has signs like these:
- The promoter promises unusually high or fixed returns, such as “10% monthly,” “double your money,” or “guaranteed passive income.”
- Investors earn more by recruiting new members than by selling real products or services.
- The company claims to trade crypto, forex, gold, commodities, or stocks but does not show audited financial records or lawful authority.
- The promoter says the company is “SEC registered” but cannot show a permit to sell securities or solicit investments.
- Payments are made to personal bank accounts, e-wallets, crypto wallets, or “agents” instead of a regulated financial institution.
- Withdrawals become delayed, excuses become frequent, and investors are pressured to “reinvest” instead of cashing out.
Not every failed business is investment fraud. A legitimate business can lose money. What matters is whether there was unlawful solicitation, misrepresentation, concealment, use of investor money to pay other investors, or sale of securities or investment contracts without SEC authority.
SEC Registration Is Not the Same as Authority to Solicit Investments
One of the most common traps is the phrase: “Registered kami sa SEC.”
A corporation or partnership may be registered with the SEC simply because it has legal personality. That does not automatically mean it can accept investments from the public, sell securities, issue investment contracts, operate a lending business, or solicit funds for trading. The SEC itself warns the public that primary SEC registration only gives juridical personality and does not authorize a company to sell securities or investment contracts, lend, finance, or take investments without the required secondary license or authority. (SEC Appointment System)
Before filing, check whether the company has:
- A valid SEC registration as a corporation or partnership;
- A secondary license, certificate of permit, or authority relevant to the activity;
- A registered securities offering, if it sold shares, notes, investment contracts, or similar instruments;
- SEC advisories, cease-and-desist orders, or warnings already issued against it.
The SEC provides online tools such as company search and “Check with SEC,” and corporate documents may also be requested through SEC online document services. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Legal Basis for an SEC Complaint for Investment Fraud
Securities Regulation Code: RA 8799
The main securities law is Republic Act No. 8799, the Securities Regulation Code. Its policy is to protect investors, require full and fair disclosure, and minimize or eliminate fraudulent and manipulative practices in the securities market. (Supreme Court E-Library)
The law defines “securities” broadly. They include shares, bonds, notes, commercial papers, investment contracts, certificates of interest or participation in profit-sharing agreements, and other instruments that may represent investment interests. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Two provisions are especially important:
| Legal provision | Why it matters in investment fraud complaints |
|---|---|
| Section 8, Securities Regulation Code | Securities generally cannot be sold or offered for sale or distribution in the Philippines unless a registration statement has been filed with and approved by the SEC. (Supreme Court E-Library) |
| Section 26, Securities Regulation Code | It is unlawful to use any scheme to defraud, make material false statements or omissions, or engage in acts that operate as fraud or deceit in connection with securities. (Supreme Court E-Library) |
| Section 28, Securities Regulation Code | A person generally cannot act as broker, dealer, or salesperson of securities without SEC registration. (Supreme Court E-Library) |
| Section 53, Securities Regulation Code | The SEC may investigate violations, require statements, issue subpoenas, issue cease-and-desist orders, and refer evidence to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. (Supreme Court E-Library) |
| Section 73, Securities Regulation Code | Violations may carry fines and imprisonment, depending on the offense and proof. (Supreme Court E-Library) |
Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act: RA 11765
RA 11765 strengthened the powers of financial regulators, including the SEC, over financial consumer protection. It recognizes consumer rights such as fair treatment, disclosure and transparency, protection of assets against fraud and misuse, data privacy, and timely handling of complaints. (Supreme Court E-Library)
For investment fraud, RA 11765 is important because it expressly treats investment fraud as unlawful and authorizes regulatory actions such as fines, suspension, disqualification, cease-and-desist orders, disgorgement, and other enforcement measures. It also allows regulators such as the SEC to handle certain civil financial consumer claims involving payment or reimbursement, subject to the law’s monetary and jurisdictional limits. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Supreme Court Guidance: Investment Contracts and the Howey Test
Some scams avoid words like “shares” or “stocks.” They may call the arrangement a “membership package,” “franchise slot,” “crypto trading account,” “cooperative contribution,” “advertising package,” or “networking plan.”
Philippine law looks at substance, not labels.
In Power Homes Unlimited Corp. v. SEC, the Supreme Court applied the investment contract test. An investment contract generally exists when there is: (1) an investment of money, (2) in a common enterprise, (3) with expectation of profits, (4) primarily from the efforts of others. The Court upheld SEC action against a scheme involving recruitment and promised returns because the arrangement fell within securities regulation. (Supreme Court E-Library)
This doctrine matters because many modern scams are designed to look like “business opportunities” rather than securities. If ordinary investors put in money and expect profits mainly because the promoter, trader, company, or system will do the work, the SEC may still treat it as an investment contract.
Possible Criminal Liability: Estafa and Securities Violations
An SEC complaint is administrative and regulatory. It may lead to SEC investigation, orders, sanctions, advisories, or referral to prosecutors. But if the facts show deceit, the same conduct may also support a criminal complaint, such as estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, or criminal violations of the Securities Regulation Code.
Estafa generally involves defrauding another person through abuse of confidence or deceit, including false pretenses or fraudulent representations made before or at the time money is obtained. (Supreme Court E-Library)
For criminal prosecution, the usual route is filing a complaint-affidavit and supporting evidence with the proper prosecution office, law enforcement agency, or investigating authority. The Department of Justice describes preliminary investigation filings as requiring an investigation data form and a complaint-affidavit or sworn statement with supporting evidence. (Department of Justice Philippines)
When the SEC Is the Right Agency
The SEC is usually the correct agency when the complaint involves investment solicitation, securities, investment contracts, corporate promoters, or schemes that collect money from the public in exchange for promised returns.
| Situation | Usually relevant office or remedy |
|---|---|
| Unregistered investment scheme, Ponzi scheme, fake trading pool, illegal solicitation of investments | SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department |
| Company claims to be SEC registered but has no authority to sell investments | SEC |
| Fraudulent sale of shares, notes, investment contracts, or securities | SEC; possible criminal complaint |
| Deceitful taking of money by an individual promoter | SEC if connected to securities or investment solicitation; prosecutor/NBI/PNP for possible estafa |
| Bank, e-wallet, remittance, or payment account issue | BSP-regulated institution complaint channels may also be relevant |
| Insurance, pre-need, or HMO product | Insurance Commission may be relevant |
| Cooperative using “investment” solicitations | Cooperative Development Authority may be relevant, but SEC may still be involved if securities or investment contracts are sold |
| Recovery of money or damages | Civil action, regulatory adjudication if applicable, criminal restitution if ordered, or other court remedies |
Many cases involve more than one route. For example, a fake crypto trading company may require an SEC complaint for illegal investment solicitation, a cybercrime or estafa complaint for criminal investigation, and a civil recovery strategy if the victim knows where assets are located.
What to Do Before Filing an SEC Complaint
A strong complaint is not just a statement that “I was scammed.” The SEC needs facts, documents, names, dates, payment trails, and proof that investments were solicited from the public.
1. Stop sending more money
Scammers often pressure victims to pay “tax,” “withdrawal fees,” “unlocking fees,” “verification deposits,” or “anti-money laundering clearance fees” before releasing profits. These are common delay tactics. Do not keep paying just to recover the first amount.
2. Preserve all evidence immediately
Do this before pages, chats, or accounts disappear.
Save:
- Facebook pages, Telegram groups, Viber messages, WhatsApp chats, emails, SMS, and website pages;
- Screenshots showing the name of the account, date, time, URL, and full conversation;
- Payment slips, bank transfer confirmations, GCash/Maya receipts, crypto wallet addresses, transaction hashes, and deposit instructions;
- Contracts, certificates, membership forms, promissory notes, “investment packages,” and marketing presentations;
- Videos, livestreams, Zoom invitations, recorded pitches, and seminar materials;
- Names, aliases, phone numbers, email addresses, social media handles, and office addresses of promoters.
For digital evidence, save both screenshots and original files when possible. A screenshot is useful, but original emails, downloaded chat exports, transaction records, and URLs are stronger.
3. Make a simple chronology
Prepare a timeline before filing. It helps the SEC understand the case quickly.
Example:
| Date | Event | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| January 12, 2026 | Saw Facebook ad promising 8% monthly return | Screenshot of ad and page URL |
| January 14, 2026 | Attended Zoom orientation | Zoom invite, screenshot of speaker |
| January 15, 2026 | Paid ₱100,000 to promoter’s bank account | Bank transfer receipt |
| February 15, 2026 | Received first “profit” of ₱8,000 | Deposit record |
| March 20, 2026 | Withdrawal request denied unless ₱15,000 fee paid | Chat screenshots |
| April 5, 2026 | Group chat closed; website inaccessible | Screenshots, browser error |
4. Identify the company and people involved
List all names used by the scheme:
- Corporate name;
- Trade name or brand name;
- SEC registration number, if shown;
- Names of officers, directors, incorporators, agents, recruiters, uplines, team leaders, and “account managers”;
- Office address, event venue, phone number, email address, social media pages, and website domains.
Even if the company name is fake, the bank accounts, e-wallet numbers, crypto wallet addresses, phone numbers, and recruiters may help investigators trace the operation.
5. Check whether there are other victims
A complaint can be filed by one victim, but multiple victims with consistent documents can show public solicitation and pattern of fraud. Prepare a list of other victims only if they consent to share their details. Do not submit someone else’s private information without permission.
Documents and Evidence to Prepare
The SEC’s online system allows complaints to be submitted through a ticketing process, but you should prepare your evidence before opening the ticket. The stronger your attachments, the easier it is for the receiving department to evaluate the complaint.
| Document or evidence | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Valid government ID and contact details | Confirms the complainant’s identity and allows the SEC to communicate with you |
| Written narrative or complaint statement | Explains what happened in chronological order |
| Proof of payment | Shows actual money was invested or transferred |
| Proof of solicitation | Shows how the investment was offered to you or the public |
| Marketing materials | Shows promised returns, guarantees, packages, commissions, or recruitment incentives |
| Communications with promoters | Shows representations, excuses, demands for more money, or refusal to release funds |
| Company documents or screenshots | Helps identify whether the entity is SEC registered and what it claimed to be |
| Bank, e-wallet, or crypto transaction details | Helps trace where money went |
| List of promoters and witnesses | Helps investigators identify responsible persons |
| SEC advisories or prior complaints, if any | Shows possible pattern or prior regulatory concern |
If you prepare a formal affidavit or verified complaint, it must usually be signed under oath before a notary public in the Philippines. If you are abroad, sworn documents may need to be executed before a Philippine embassy or consulate, or notarized and authenticated according to the rules applicable in that country. Keep original receipts and documents because agencies or prosecutors may later ask to inspect them.
How to File an SEC Complaint for Investment Fraud Online
The SEC uses SEC iMessage, an online ticketing system for inquiries, requests, and complaints. The SEC describes it as a way for the public to submit complaints and track ticket status. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
The SEC iMessage user manual shows that investment scam complaints may be filed under the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department service category, including eComplaints on Investment Scams. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Step-by-step filing process
Go to SEC iMessage. Use the SEC’s official iMessage system and choose Open a New Ticket. The SEC manual instructs users to access the iMessage site, click “Open A New Ticket,” and proceed through the ticketing process. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Accept the privacy notice and sign in. The system may require you to tick the privacy policy box and sign in using an eSECURE account. If you do not yet have one, create or complete the required account registration first. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Choose the correct SEC service. In the service field, select the appropriate department and complaint type. For investment scams, use the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department category for eComplaints on investment scams, when available in the system. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Write a clear subject line. Example: Complaint for Investment Fraud Against [Company/Promoter Name] – Unregistered Investment Scheme
State the facts in a short but complete narrative. Include:
- Who solicited the investment;
- What was promised;
- How much you paid;
- When and where payment was made;
- Whether the offer was made to the public;
- What documents or screenshots prove the solicitation;
- Whether the company claimed SEC registration or license;
- What happened when you requested withdrawal or refund.
Upload supporting documents. Attach your timeline, receipts, screenshots, contracts, chat logs, bank transfers, and proof of solicitation. Use clear file names such as:
01_Complaint_Narrative.pdf02_Bank_Transfer_Receipt_Jan15.pdf03_Facebook_Investment_Posts.pdf04_Telegram_Chat_with_Promoter.pdf05_Company_SEC_Claim_Screenshot.pdf
Submit the ticket and save the ticket number. After submission, the system creates a ticket and assigns it to the responsible department. Save the ticket number, confirmation email, and screenshots of the submission. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Monitor the ticket status. The SEC iMessage system allows users to check ticket status, view open or closed tickets, and reply to the conversation thread. If the SEC asks for additional information, respond within the system and upload the requested files. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Can you file in person?
Online filing is usually more convenient, especially for OFWs, foreigners, and victims outside Metro Manila. If you need to coordinate with the SEC directly, the SEC’s official contact page lists its headquarters at 7907 Makati Avenue, Salcedo Village, Bel-Air, Makati City, with telephone contact details. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
For victims in the provinces, SEC extension offices may also be relevant, especially where the scam operated locally. Still, keep digital copies of everything because online tracking and document transmission are often faster than relying only on paper submissions.
Sample SEC Complaint Narrative Format
You can organize your complaint like this:
I am filing this complaint against [Name of Company], [Name of Promoter], and other responsible persons for soliciting investments from the public without proper SEC authority and for using false or misleading representations.
On [date], I was offered an investment package called [name of package] through [Facebook/Telegram/office seminar/referral]. I was told that if I invested ₱[amount], I would receive [promised return] within [period]. The promoter represented that the investment was safe because [claimed reason, such as SEC registration, trading system, collateral, guaranteed buyer, or company assets].
Relying on these representations, I paid ₱[amount] on [date] through [bank/e-wallet/crypto wallet]. Copies of the payment receipt and communications are attached.
After payment, I was given [contract/certificate/dashboard access]. I later requested withdrawal/refund on [date], but [company/promoter] refused, delayed, demanded additional fees, or became unreachable.
I respectfully request the SEC to investigate whether the respondents are engaged in investment fraud, unauthorized solicitation of investments, sale of unregistered securities or investment contracts, or other violations of the Securities Regulation Code and RA 11765.
Keep the language factual. Avoid insults, exaggeration, or statements you cannot prove. The goal is to help investigators see the legal issue and evidence quickly.
What Happens After You File
After you file, the SEC may screen the complaint, assign it to the proper department, ask for more documents, conduct verification, invite parties to explain, issue advisories, or begin enforcement proceedings.
Under SEC procedural rules, administrative actions may begin motu proprio, upon public complaint, referral, or anonymous tip. Investigation records are generally non-public unless disclosure is required by law or directed by the Commission. (SEC Appointment System)
If the SEC finds urgent grounds, it may seek or issue a cease-and-desist order, often called a CDO, to stop continued solicitation or activities that may harm investors. SEC rules recognize that CDO proceedings may be based on verified complaints and supporting evidence, and certain CDOs may be immediately executory. (SEC Appointment System)
The SEC may also refer evidence to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution when the facts support criminal violations. The Securities Regulation Code expressly gives the SEC authority to transmit evidence to the DOJ for criminal proceedings. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Practical timeline
There is no single fixed timeline for all investment fraud complaints. The pace depends on the completeness of your evidence, number of victims, complexity of transactions, whether respondents can be located, and whether the scheme is still actively soliciting money.
A realistic expectation is:
| Stage | Practical expectation |
|---|---|
| Online ticket creation | Usually immediate after submission |
| Initial review or request for more documents | May take days or weeks depending on workload and completeness |
| Verification or investigation | May take weeks to months, especially for complex schemes |
| SEC advisory or CDO | Can be faster in urgent public-solicitation cases, but depends on evidence |
| DOJ or criminal proceedings | Usually longer and handled separately from SEC administrative action |
| Recovery of money | Often the hardest part; may require separate proceedings or enforcement against assets |
An SEC complaint is important because it creates a regulatory record and may help stop the scheme. But it does not automatically mean you will immediately get your money back. Recovery depends on whether funds or assets can be traced, whether respondents are identified, and what orders or cases are pursued.
Common Mistakes That Weaken SEC Complaints
Relying only on “SEC registered” screenshots
A screenshot of SEC registration may actually help the promoter if you do not explain why it is misleading. Make clear that the company used ordinary corporate registration to imply authority to solicit investments, even if it lacked the required secondary license or permit.
Submitting only one receipt
A receipt proves you paid, but it may not prove why you paid. Attach proof of the investment offer: ads, chat messages, contracts, pitch decks, seminar screenshots, promised returns, and recruitment materials.
Not naming the actual recruiter
Victims sometimes name only the corporation. Include the people who directly solicited you, received the money, managed the group chat, conducted orientations, or gave payment instructions.
Deleting chats out of anger or embarrassment
Do not delete anything. Even embarrassing conversations may help prove deceit, pressure tactics, promises, and refusal to refund.
Paying more “release fees”
Many victims lose additional money after the scammer says profits are ready but taxes, clearance fees, or wallet activation fees must first be paid. Preserve that message and include it in your complaint instead of sending more money.
Filing too late
RA 11765 provides prescriptive periods for actions or claims under that law, including periods counted from the transaction or discovery of deceit or nondisclosure, subject to statutory limits. (Supreme Court E-Library) Criminal and civil claims may have separate limitation periods depending on the offense and facts. Delay also makes it harder to trace money, preserve websites, and locate respondents.
Special Situations
If you are an OFW or Filipino abroad
You can still file through the SEC’s online system. Use a reliable email address, Philippine mobile number if available, and a clear address abroad. If a sworn statement is required later, prepare for consular notarization or proper authentication of foreign-executed documents.
It also helps to appoint a trusted representative in the Philippines if physical documents, hearings, or law enforcement coordination become necessary. The representative should have written authority, such as a special power of attorney, if they will sign or appear on your behalf.
If you are a foreigner scammed in the Philippines
Foreigners may file complaints if the investment solicitation, company, promoter, transaction, or victimization has a Philippine connection. Include your passport details, local address or hotel/residence at the time of transaction, foreign address, email, and payment trail.
If your payment came from a foreign bank or crypto exchange, keep official statements and transaction records. If the document must later be used formally in a Philippine proceeding, authentication or apostille requirements may become relevant depending on the country and document type.
If the scheme involved crypto or forex
Crypto and forex labels do not automatically remove the case from SEC concern. If the promoter pooled money from the public, promised passive returns, sold investment packages, or claimed that professional traders would generate profits for investors, the arrangement may still be treated as an investment contract or investment fraud.
The SEC warns investors to be cautious of high-pressure offers, “hot tips,” guaranteed returns, recruitment-driven models, and supposed forex or investment schemes that sound too good to be true. (SEC Appointment System)
If the promoter says it is only “networking”
Legitimate direct selling is different from an investment scheme. The risk becomes serious when people pay primarily for the right to receive profits, commissions, or passive income from recruitment or the efforts of others.
In Power Homes, the Supreme Court recognized that a recruitment-based scheme may fall within the definition of an investment contract when the legal elements are present. Labels such as “membership,” “package,” or “downline” do not control the legal analysis. (Supreme Court E-Library)
SEC Complaint, Criminal Complaint, or Civil Case?
These remedies can overlap, but they serve different purposes.
| Remedy | Main purpose | Where it usually goes |
|---|---|---|
| SEC complaint | Investigation, advisories, CDO, administrative sanctions, referral to DOJ | SEC |
| Criminal complaint | Punish fraud, estafa, securities violations, cybercrime, or related offenses | Prosecutor, DOJ, NBI, PNP, or other law enforcement |
| Civil claim | Recover money, damages, interest, or enforce obligations | Court or proper adjudicatory body |
| Regulatory consumer claim under RA 11765 | Redress for certain financial consumer claims within legal limits | Relevant financial regulator, including SEC when applicable |
If your main goal is to stop the public solicitation and alert regulators, file with the SEC. If your goal is criminal accountability for deceit, prepare a criminal complaint. If your goal is recovery of a specific amount, civil or regulatory redress may be necessary. In serious cases, victims often pursue more than one route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file an SEC complaint for investment fraud online?
Yes. The SEC has an online iMessage ticketing system where the public can open a ticket, submit concerns, and check ticket status. For investment scams, the relevant category is under the SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department when available in the system. (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Is SEC registration proof that an investment is legitimate?
No. SEC registration as a corporation only means the entity has juridical personality. It does not automatically authorize the company to solicit investments, sell securities, issue investment contracts, or operate regulated financial activities. Always check whether there is a secondary license, permit, or registered offering. (SEC Appointment System)
What evidence is most important for an SEC investment scam complaint?
The most important evidence usually includes proof of solicitation, proof of payment, proof of promised returns, communications with promoters, company claims about SEC registration or licensing, and proof that withdrawals or refunds were denied. A clear timeline tying these documents together is often more useful than a large but disorganized file dump.
Can I file even if I invested only a small amount?
Yes. Small individual losses may still show a larger public scheme, especially if many people were solicited. The SEC’s concern is not only the amount lost by one person but also whether the public is being exposed to illegal investment solicitation or fraud.
Can the SEC order the company to refund my money?
The SEC has enforcement and consumer protection powers, including regulatory actions and certain redress mechanisms under RA 11765. However, actual recovery depends on the facts, available assets, applicable procedure, and whether the matter falls within the SEC’s adjudicatory authority or must be pursued through court or criminal proceedings. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Should I also file an estafa complaint?
If the promoter used deceit to make you part with money, a criminal complaint for estafa or related offenses may be appropriate. SEC complaints and criminal complaints are different. The SEC may investigate regulatory violations and refer evidence to the DOJ, but victims may also prepare a complaint-affidavit for criminal preliminary investigation when the facts support it. (Supreme Court E-Library)
What if the scammer is an individual and not a company?
You can still report the facts if the individual solicited investments, acted as an agent or salesperson, represented a company, or participated in selling investment contracts or securities. Include the person’s full name, aliases, contact numbers, social media accounts, payment accounts, and screenshots of solicitations.
What if I am abroad?
You may file through the SEC’s online system. Use complete contact details and upload clear digital copies of your evidence. If sworn documents are later required, you may need notarization through a Philippine consulate or authentication appropriate to the country where the document is executed.
How long does an SEC investment fraud complaint take?
Ticket creation is usually immediate, but investigation and action may take weeks or months depending on the evidence, number of victims, complexity of transactions, and whether respondents can be identified. Urgent public solicitation cases may move faster if the evidence supports immediate regulatory action.
Can I post about the scam on social media?
You may warn others, but be careful. Stick to facts you can prove, avoid threats, avoid publishing private personal data unnecessarily, and preserve evidence before posting. Public posts can alert other victims, but careless accusations may create separate legal problems.
Key Takeaways
- An SEC complaint is appropriate when a person or company solicits investments from the public, sells securities or investment contracts, or operates a suspicious investment scheme without proper authority.
- SEC registration is not enough. A corporation also needs the required secondary license, permit, or registered offering to lawfully solicit certain investments.
- RA 8799, RA 11765, and Supreme Court doctrine on investment contracts give the SEC strong authority to investigate investment fraud and illegal solicitation.
- The best complaints include a clear timeline, proof of payment, proof of solicitation, promised returns, communications, names of promoters, and company details.
- File through SEC iMessage, choose the proper investment scam complaint category, upload organized evidence, and monitor your ticket for SEC requests.
- SEC action can help stop a scheme and support enforcement, but money recovery may require additional criminal, civil, or regulatory proceedings.
- Do not pay more “release fees,” “taxes,” or “unlocking charges.” Preserve the demand as evidence instead.
- Victims abroad, foreigners, and small investors can still file if the scheme has a Philippine connection or involved Philippine-based solicitation.