In the digital landscape of 2026, the Philippines continues to strengthen its legal and technical defenses against the evolving threat of online fraud. Central to this defense is the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), an agency attached to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Established under Republic Act No. 10175 (the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), the CICC serves as the primary inter-agency body for coordinating the government’s response to cyber-enabled crimes.

For victims of online scams—ranging from investment fraud and phishing to "love scams" and deepfake identity theft—knowing how to navigate the reporting process is crucial for both immediate mitigation and eventual prosecution.

1. Immediate Response: The 1326 Hotline

The CICC operates the Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC), which serves as the "911 for cybercrime." This is the first and most critical point of contact for anyone who believes they are being targeted or have already fallen victim to a scam.

Dial 1326: This toll-free hotline is available 24/7.
Alternative Mobile Numbers:
Smart: 0947-714-7105
Globe: 0966-976-5971
DITO: 0991-481-4225
Purpose: Calling the hotline allows the CICC to perform "real-time" intervention, such as coordinating with banks or e-wallet providers (e.g., GCash, Maya) to flag or freeze suspicious accounts before funds are laundered or withdrawn.

2. Digital Reporting Platforms

To increase accessibility, the Philippine government has integrated reporting features into existing digital ecosystems.

The eGovPH Super App

Under the e-Report feature of the eGovPH app, citizens can report scams directly from their mobile devices.

Open the eGovPH app and navigate to the "Report" section.
Select "Scam" as the category.
Upload up to five screenshots of the fraudulent transaction or communication.
Provide the scammer's mobile number, which the CICC uses to cross-reference against the SIM Registration database.

Scam Watch Pilipinas & Cyri

Scam Watch Pilipinas serves as the CICC’s official citizen arm. Victims can use the Cyri AI chatbot on Facebook Messenger or the Scam Watch website to submit reports. This platform is particularly effective for reporting malicious URLs and phishing websites for immediate takedown.

3. Gathering and Preserving Evidence

A report is only as strong as its evidence. Under Philippine law, digital evidence must maintain its integrity to be admissible in court. Victims should secure the following:

Screenshots: Capture the scammer's profile, the specific URL/link used, the advertisement or post, and the entire conversation history.
Financial Records: Save digital receipts, transaction reference numbers, and bank statements showing the flow of funds.
Metadata: If possible, do not delete the original messages or emails, as they contain technical headers that law enforcement can use to trace IP addresses.

4. The Formal Complaint Process

While the 1326 hotline handles immediate crises, filing a formal criminal case requires a Sworn Statement (Affidavit-Complaint).

Initial Triage: After calling 1326 or reporting via the app, the CICC will evaluate the case.
Agency Referral: Depending on the nature of the crime, the CICC may refer the victim to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) or the NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) for the formal investigation.
Affidavit Filing: The victim must visit the National Cybercrime Hub (located in BGC, Taguig) or the nearest PNP/NBI field office to sign a formal affidavit under oath.
Legal Remedies: Prosecutors will then determine if there is probable cause to file charges for violations of RA 10175, Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (Estafa), or the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934).

5. Key Legal Frameworks

The prosecution of online scams in the Philippines relies on several overlapping laws:

Law	Relevance to Scams
R.A. 10175	Defines computer-related fraud and identity theft; increases penalties for crimes committed via ICT.
R.A. 11934	The SIM Registration Act; allows authorities to identify scammers using registered mobile numbers.
R.A. 10173	The Data Privacy Act; relevant when scams involve the unauthorized processing of personal data.
Revised Penal Code	Provides the basis for "Estafa" (swindling), which carries higher penalties when committed online.

6. Procedural Notes for Victims

Timing: Reports should be made within the first 24 to 48 hours to maximize the chance of fund recovery.
Confidentiality: The CICC and its partner agencies are bound by strict confidentiality protocols regarding the victim's identity during the investigation.
Cost: Reporting to the CICC and filing a complaint with the PNP or NBI is free of charge.

The CICC emphasizes a "whole-of-society" approach. By reporting even "minor" scams, victims contribute to the national database, enabling the government to identify patterns, block malicious infrastructure, and dismantle organized cybercrime