Comprehensive Guide to Reporting a Scam in the Philippines
Scams have become one of the most pervasive crimes in the Philippines, evolving rapidly with technology and exploiting trust in everyday transactions. From investment ponzi schemes and online selling fraud to romance scams and fake job offers, victims lose billions of pesos annually. Reporting a scam is not only a civic duty but a critical step toward justice, recovery of funds, and preventing others from being victimized.
This article provides a complete, practical guide under Philippine law on how to properly report any type of scam, which government agencies have jurisdiction, the step-by-step procedures, required evidence, and realistic expectations on investigation and recovery.
1. Legal Classification of Scams in the Philippines
Most scams fall under the crime of Estafa (swindling/fraud) under Articles 315 and 316 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended. Penalties range from arresto mayor to reclusion temporal depending on the amount defrauded.
- Online scams (job scams, romance scams, phishing, fake online selling) are also punishable under Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), particularly Section 4(a)(1) on cyber fraud and Section 6, which adopts all RPC crimes committed using ICT with one degree higher penalty.
- Investment scams, fake cryptocurrency platforms, and unregistered securities fall under Republic Act No. 8799 (Securities Regulation Code) and Republic Act No. 11765 (Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act of 2022).
- If the scam involves identity theft or unauthorized use of personal data, Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012) and Republic Act No. 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act provisions on online fraud) may apply.
- Large-scale syndicated estafa (ponzi/pyramiding) is covered by Presidential Decree No. 1689, with penalties up to reclusion perpetua.
2. Primary Government Agencies for Reporting Scams
| Type of Scam | Primary Agency | Secondary Agency | Contact Details / Online Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online scams (Facebook, Viber, Telegram, fake shops, romance, job offers) | PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) | NBI Cybercrime Division | cybercrime.pnp.gov.ph / report@cybercrime.gov.ph |
| Investment scams, fake crypto, ponzi schemes | Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) | PNP-ACG or NBI | www.sec.gov.ph/enforcement/investor-complaint |
| Bank-related, remittance, e-wallet fraud | Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) | PNP-ACG | consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph / BSP Online Buddy (BOB) |
| Fake online selling (Shopee/Lazada impersonators, COD scams) | Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) | PNP-ACG | consumercare@dti.gov.ph / DTI Bagong Pilipinas App |
| Fake charities, text blasts, lottery scams | Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) or PNP | NBI | — |
| Identity theft, SIM swap fraud | National Privacy Commission (NPC) | PNP-ACG / Telco provider | www.privacy.gov.ph/complaints |
| Large-scale syndicated scams | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) | DOJ Task Force | www.nbi.gov.ph / NBI e-Complaint |
Victims are encouraged to file with multiple agencies simultaneously, as cases are often referred or consolidated.
3. Step-by-Step Procedure to Report a Scam
Step 1: Preserve All Evidence Immediately
- Screenshots of conversations (full thread, not cropped)
- Transaction receipts (GCash, Maya, bank transfers, DragonPay, etc.)
- Screenshots of the scammer’s profile, posts, or website
- Call/text logs, voice recordings (if any)
- Bank statements showing the transfer
- Emails, order confirmations, contracts, or MOAs
- Record the scammer’s name, contact numbers, bank accounts, GCash numbers, addresses provided
Step 2: File a Police Blotter (Highly Recommended)
Go to the nearest police station or the PNP-ACG office (Camp Crame, Quezon City or regional offices). Request a police blotter even if they say “civil case lang.” A blotter is essential for bank disputes and insurance claims.
For online scams, you may file a blotter via the nearest station or directly with PNP-ACG.
Step 3: File a Formal Complaint
For PNP-ACG (most online scams):
- Go to https://cybercrime.pnp.gov.ph
- Fill out the online complaint form
- Upload evidence
- You will receive a reference number within 24–48 hours
- ACG will invite you for affidavit execution if the case is viable
For NBI Cybercrime Division:
- Visit https://nbi.gov.ph/online-services/
- Accomplish the online complaint form
- Proceed to NBI Clearance Center (UN Avenue, Manila) or regional offices for affidavit
For SEC (investment scams):
- File online via SEC eComplaint: https://www.sec.gov.ph/enforcement/investor-complaint/
- SEC issues Cease and Desist Orders (CDO) quickly against unregistered entities
For BSP (bank/e-wallet fraud):
- Report within 24–48 hours to maximize chance of fund reversal
- Use BSP Online Buddy (BOB) chatbot on Facebook Messenger or email consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph
Step 4: Execute Sworn Affidavit and Submit Additional Documents
You will be required to go in person to swear your complaint-affidavit before a prosecutor or investigator. Bring two valid IDs.
Step 5: Follow Up Regularly
- PNP-ACG cases: text or call the investigator assigned
- NBI: use the reference number to track
- SEC: check public advisories — they publish names of fake entities weekly
4. Realistic Timelines and Success Rates
- Bank/e-wallet reversals: 70–90% success if reported within 24 hours (especially GCash/Maya “Accidental Transfer” feature or bank dispute)
- Criminal prosecution: 1–3 years for preliminary investigation; many cases reach trial only if the amount is large (P500,000+)
- Recovery of money: Low (10–20%) unless the scammer is arrested and assets are seized. Banks rarely return money once cleared.
- SEC/CDO cases: Very effective in shutting down fake companies; recovery rare unless escrow funds exist.
5. Special Procedures for Common Scam Types
Romance / Pig-Butchering Scams
- Report to PNP-ACG and Interpol via NBI if foreign scammer
- Banks rarely reverse after 72 hours
Fake Online Selling / COD Scams
- Report rider/company (Lalamove, J&T, Ninja Van) — they sometimes reimburse
- File with DTI for merchant violations
Investment / Crypto Scams
- SEC is fastest for public warning
- If licensed entity involved, also file with Insurance Commission or Cooperative Development Authority
Job Scams (illegal recruitment)
- File with Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA/DMW) and DOLE
6. Preventive Measures and Victim Rights
- Use only registered platforms and verify SEC/BSP registration
- Never transfer to personal accounts for “investments”
- Enable 2FA and transaction alerts
- Victims have the right to free legal assistance from Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) if indigent
- Psychological support available through DSWD crisis centers
Reporting every scam, no matter how small, helps law enforcement build patterns and secure funding for anti-fraud operations. The Philippines has significantly improved its cybercrime response since 2022, with thousands of arrests yearly, but success depends heavily on swift, detailed reporting by victims.
Do not hesitate. Report immediately. Your action protects the next Filipino.