How to Report Online Casino Scams in the Philippines (PAGCOR/NBI Guide)

Philippine legal & practical playbook for victims, families, and counsel. This is general information, not legal advice.

Quick Start (TL;DR)

Secure yourself first. Change passwords, enable 2FA, freeze e-wallet/bank cards, and document everything (screenshots with URL bar, chat logs, receipts, TXIDs).
Identify the operator.
- Claims to be PAGCOR-licensed (serving players in the Philippines): prepare a player complaint to PAGCOR.
- Unlicensed, offshore, or refusing cash-outs / demanding “tax/clearance fees”, or it’s clearly a shakedown: report as cybercrime to NBI Cybercrime Division (or PNP-ACG) and notify PAGCOR for enforcement/site blocking.
File the reports (often in parallel):
- PAGCOR: player dispute or report illegal gambling.
- NBI Cybercrime Division: criminal complaint with a sworn affidavit and evidence.
- Your bank/e-wallet: dispute/chargeback/recall request.
- If your IDs/data were taken: file a data privacy complaint with NPC and monitor for identity theft.
- If you were lured via “investment-casino” promises: also notify SEC for unregistered securities.
Keep expectations realistic. PAGCOR can pressure licensed operators and trigger enforcement; refunds usually come from the operator, bank/issuer via dispute, or court order after prosecution/civil suit.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

PAGCOR’s role. PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) regulates land-based and certain locally-licensed electronic gaming products for players in the Philippines. It can license, monitor, sanction, and request blocking of illegal sites. It also receives player complaints against licensees.
POGOs vs. local play. Offshore licensees historically must serve non-Philippine markets. If a site targets Filipinos without proper local authorization, it’s illegal from the PH perspective—report it.
Criminal laws commonly triggered by scams.
- Estafa/Swindling (Art. 315, Revised Penal Code).
- Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175): computer-related fraud, identity theft, illegal access, online scams.
- Access Devices Regulation Act (RA 8484): card/e-wallet fraud.
- Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 9160, as amended): casinos are “covered persons”; suspicious movement of funds can spur AML investigation.
- Data Privacy Act (RA 10173): misuse/leak of your personal data/IDs.
Evidence rules that help you. E-Commerce Act and the Rules on Electronic Evidence recognize electronic documents (screenshots, emails, logs) if authenticity is properly shown.

Red Flags That Scream “Scam”

“Pay tax, clearance, or unlock fees before we release your winnings.”
Site refuses ID verification but happily accepts deposits.
No clear company name, license number, physical address, or terms.
Unreachable or rotating domains, social-media only “support,” or agents pushing you to “top-up now.”
Withdrawal delays with ever-new conditions or “upgrade to VIP to claim.”

What To Do Immediately (First 24–48 Hours)

Preserve Evidence (don’t edit originals):
- Full-page screenshots with the URL/address bar.
- Chat logs, emails, call recordings (if any), username/account IDs.
- Deposit/withdrawal receipts, bank statements, e-wallet logs, blockchain TXIDs.
- The domain(s), app name, social media pages, phone numbers, and all agent handles.
- Keep a timeline: when you signed up, amounts, promises, and refusals.
Contain the Damage:
- Change passwords and enable 2FA on the casino account, your email, and e-wallets.
- Freeze cards or lock e-wallet if possible; alert your bank to stop/reverse pending transfers.
- If you sent ID photos/videos, put a fraud alert on your bank/e-wallet and monitor credit/loan offers.
List Your Transfers:
- Date/time, mode (bank, card, e-wallet, crypto), reference numbers, recipient names/numbers, and amounts.
- This table becomes your go-to attachment for all reports.

PATH A — If the Site Claims to be PAGCOR-Licensed (Local Players)

Step 1: Verify & Escalate to the Operator

Ask for the license number, legal entity, and dispute desk.
Use the site’s formal complaints channel (email/ticket). Keep copies of all correspondence.

Step 2: File a Player Complaint with PAGCOR

Go to PAGCOR’s official website and look for Player Complaints, Report Illegal Gambling, or Contact Us.
Attach: your timeline, ID (if needed), account username, operator name/URL, all payment records, and proof you tried to resolve it with the operator.
What PAGCOR can do: require the licensee to respond, mediate disputes, impose regulatory sanctions, and coordinate enforcement.
What it usually can’t do: order third-party banks/e-wallets to refund you, or award damages like a court.

Step 3: Parallel Financial Disputes

Card payments: ask your issuer for a chargeback citing fraud or goods/services not provided.
Bank/e-wallet transfers: file a dispute/recall; provide the merchant descriptors, account numbers, and screenshots.

When to Add Criminal Reporting

If the operator tampered with results, faked payouts, or used identity fraud or phishing, proceed to NBI Cybercrime (see Path B).

PATH B — If the Site is Unlicensed/Offshore or Acts Like a Shakedown

You’ll typically report to both (i) NBI Cybercrime for criminal investigation and (ii) PAGCOR for regulatory enforcement and site blocking.

Step 1: File a Criminal Complaint with NBI Cybercrime Division

Prepare a Sinumpaang Salaysay (sworn affidavit) stating:
1. Your full name, address, and ID details.
2. Exact URL/app, dates, usernames, and agent aliases.
3. The modus (promises made, how you were induced, attempts to withdraw, refusal/reasons).
4. All transfers with reference numbers and recipients.
5. Loss amount and any non-monetary harm (ID exposure, threats).
6. That the statements are true and you are willing to pursue the case.
Attach your evidence bundle.
Submit via the NBI’s official complaint intake (walk-in or online, if available) and request a case reference number.
Process expectations: interview, evidence validation, digital forensics, possible coordination with banks/e-wallets/ISPs, then referral to the City Prosecutor for inquest or regular filing once suspects are identified.

Jurisdiction note: Under the Cybercrime law, PH authorities can take cases where any element occurred within the Philippines (e.g., victim in the PH, devices in the PH), or when Filipino nationals are involved—even if servers or agents are offshore.

Step 2: Notify PAGCOR (Illegal Gambling)

Send a regulatory complaint that the site targets PH players without authority or operates fraudulently.
Ask for site blocking coordination and any action against affiliated payment channels.

Step 3: Financial & Data-Privacy Actions

Bank/e-wallet dispute/recall (immediately).
If IDs/data were compromised, lodge a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and track for identity theft (SIM swaps, loan apps, new e-wallets).

Optional: Securities Angle

If you were enticed by “investment returns,” “trading bots,” or “profit guarantees” tied to casino play, report to the SEC for potential investment fraud.

Building a Strong Case: Evidence & Documentation

Authenticity: Prefer original files over cropped images. Export chat logs/HTML if possible.
Traceability: Keep reference numbers, merchant descriptors, recipient account names, and SIM/e-wallet IDs.
Blockchain: Save TXIDs and wallet addresses; use block explorers to print transaction pages.
Chain of custody: Note who had the files and when they were copied.
Your narrative: A concise, dated timeline (bulleted).
Loss spreadsheet: list each transfer; sum totals.

Dispute & Recovery Options

Chargebacks (credit/debit cards). File promptly (issuers typically have strict windows). Provide your affidavit, proof of fraud/refusal, and merchant info.
Bank/e-wallet recalls. Some transfers can be flagged/frozen if the recipient account is still funded; speed matters.
Civil claims. If the operator or agent is in the Philippines and identifiable, you can sue for damages (e.g., estafa civil liability).
- Small Claims: as of recent rules, monetary claims up to ₱1,000,000 may qualify for the Small Claims procedure (streamlined, lawyer not required). Check current thresholds and venue rules.
- Practical limits: offshore defendants are hard to serve and enforce against.
Beware “fund-recovery services.” Many are secondary scams requesting “processing” or “tax” fees. Vet heavily or avoid.

Templates You Can Reuse

Adapt these to your facts. Replace bracketed text. Sign affidavits before a notary or authorized officer.

1) PAGCOR Player Complaint / Illegal Gambling Report (Email/Text Body)

Subject: Player Complaint / Illegal Online Gambling Report – [Site/App Name & URL]

I am reporting [Site/App Name, URL/domain] for [non-payment of winnings / fraudulent demands / operating without PAGCOR authority].

My account: [username/email/ID].
Dates & amounts: [deposits/withdrawals attempted]. Total loss: [₱].
Summary timeline: [short bullets].
Evidence attached: [screenshots, receipts, chats].
Operator info provided to me: [claimed license number/company if any]. I request investigation, sanctions where appropriate, and site blocking if unlicensed. Please advise if further documents are needed.

Complainant: Name: [ ] • Address: [ ] • Mobile/Email: [ ]

2) NBI Cybercrime Complaint – Affidavit Headings

Title: Sinumpaang Salaysay ni [Your Name]

Personal Circumstances
The Online Platform & Modus (URLs, app, agents, promises, attempts to withdraw)
Transactions (table of dates, channels, refs, recipients, amounts)
Refusals/Extortion (“tax/clearance fees”, blocked account)
Losses & Harm (money, data)
Attachments (A–Z list)
Prayer (investigation, prosecution, preservation requests) Verification & Jurat (to be notarized/sworn)

3) Bank/E-Wallet Dispute Letter (Snippet)

I dispute the following transactions to [merchant/op’r/platform], which I did not receive contracted services for due to fraud/illegal gambling activity. Please process a chargeback/recall.

Date/time: [ ] Amount: [ ] Reference: [ ]
Evidence: [ ] I have filed complaints with [PAGCOR/NBI]; case ref no.: [ ].

Special Cases & Practical Tips

Phishing & impersonation (fake “PAGCOR/BIR staff” asking for “clearance tax”): treat as cybercrime, report to NBI; include phone numbers, GCASH/Maya handles, and courier receipts if you sent cash.
SIM & device hygiene: After a scam, consider SIM change, device malware scan, and revoking app permissions.
Website blocking: Your PAGCOR/NBI report should explicitly request coordination with NTC/ISPs for domain blocking and payment channel takedowns.
Self-Exclusion (problem gambling): You can apply for self-exclusion from PAGCOR-regulated venues/products if gambling harm is a concern.
Barangay conciliation? Not applicable to criminal cases like estafa/cybercrime; go directly to law enforcement/prosecutor.

FAQs

Q: Can I stay anonymous? For criminal complaints, you’ll typically need to identify yourself. You may request confidentiality of certain contact details; discuss with the intake officer.

Q: What if the site is offshore? Still file. Cybercrime units can work with ISPs, payment partners, and foreign counterparts; PAGCOR can move for blocking in the Philippines.

Q: How long will this take? Investigations vary widely. Early, complete evidence speeds things up.

Q: I used fake details on the site—does that bar my claim? No; you can still be a victim of fraud. Stick to the facts in your affidavit.

Q: Will I be taxed on “winnings”? Legitimate operators handle taxes per law. Upfront “tax” requests from the site before releasing funds are a classic scam—report them.

Reporting Checklist (Print-Friendly)

Timeline (dates, promises, refusals).
Evidence (screens with URL, chats, receipts, TXIDs).
Operator details (domain/app, license claims, agents).
Transfer table (date, channel, reference, recipient, amount).
PAGCOR complaint filed; reference no. saved.
NBI cybercrime complaint filed; case ref saved.
Bank/e-wallet dispute/recall submitted.
NPC data-privacy complaint (if IDs/data exposed).
SEC notification (if “investment” angle).
Passwords changed, 2FA on, devices scanned.

Final Notes

Act fast—disputes and freezes work best early.
Tell the truth in sworn statements; inconsistencies hurt your case.
Keep everything—even small details (agent nicknames, group chat IDs) can unlock an investigation.
Laws evolve—procedures and thresholds change; always follow the latest instructions on the official PAGCOR and NBI websites or consult counsel.

If you’d like, I can turn this into a filled-out affidavit/complaint using your facts (names, dates, amounts), plus a clean transfer table you can attach everywhere.