Introduction
Scam callers in the Philippines have grown bolder, often impersonating police officers, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents, or practising lawyers to extort money or personal data. Aside from being frightening, these calls are criminal acts that can—and should—be reported. The guide below gathers everything a Filipino victim or witness needs to know: the laws that apply, which agencies to contact, how to preserve evidence, and practical tips for staying safe.
1. Relevant Philippine Offences and Legal Bases
| Legal Source | Key Provision | How It Applies to Police/Lawyer Impersonation Calls |
|---|---|---|
| Revised Penal Code (RPC) Art. 177 | Usurpation of Authority or Official Functions | Pretending to hold public authority (e.g., a PNP badge number or fiscal’s office) is punishable by arresto mayor and/or fine. |
| RPC Art. 315 | Estafa (Swindling) | Using false pretence to obtain money, mobile‑load, GCash transfers, etc. |
| RPC Art. 286 | Grave Coercion | Threatening arrest, deportation, or lawsuit to force payment or disclosure. |
| Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) | Sec. 4(b)(2) – Computer‑related Fraud | When the scam is executed through ICT (mobile network, VoIP, messaging apps). |
| Republic Act 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012) | Sec. 25 – Unauthorized Processing | Phishing for personal data, bank details or OTPs during the call. |
| Republic Act 4200 (Anti‑Wire‑Tapping Law) | Sec. 1 | Recording a call without the other party’s consent is generally illegal. BUT: • You may put the caller on speaker and let a witness listen. • You may request law enforcement to apply for a court‑ordered wire‑tap. • You may still keep call‐log screenshots, notes, or post‑call voicemails. |
| Republic Act 11934 (SIM Registration Act of 2022) | Sec. 7 | Enables de‑registration and blocking of the scammer’s SIM once reported. |
| Supreme Court Rules | Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Membership | Every lawyer has an IBP ID and a publicly searchable Roll Number. An impostor violates both the RPC and the Code of Professional Responsibility for lawyers. |
2. First Steps When You Receive a Suspicious Call
Stay Calm & Ask Questions Legitimate officers will identify their unit, rank, station telephone, and case reference. Legitimate lawyers will give their IBP Number and the court docket. Scammers usually fumble when pressed for these specifics.
Do NOT Disclose Personal Data or Transfer Funds Refuse to give OTPs, ATM PINs, or GCash details. No arrest warrant or “freezing order” is served by phone.
Document Immediately
- Screenshot the incoming number and duration.
- Write down the exact phrases used (threats, badge numbers, case numbers).
- Save any SMS or chat follow‑ups.
Preserve Voicemails (if left). Voicemails are recordings made by the scammer, not by you, so RA 4200 does not prohibit saving them.
3. Where and How to Report
A. Philippine National Police – Anti‑Cybercrime Group (PNP‑ACG)
| What to Prepare | Details |
|---|---|
| Complaint‑Affidavit | Narrative of events, signed and notarised (barangay‑level notary suffices). |
| Annexes | Screenshots, voicemails, money‑transfer receipts, witness affidavits. |
| Where to File | Camp Crame, Quezon City or any Regional ACG office; small towns may forward through the nearest municipal police station. |
| Hotline & E‑mail | Check the PNP‑ACG Facebook page or dial 117 then press 2. (Hotlines change; verify before calling.) |
The ACG can subpoena telcos for subscriber information, trace IP addresses, and coordinate with NBI.
B. National Bureau of Investigation – Cybercrime Division (NBI‑CCD)
- Accepts walk‑in or online complaints via the NBI Online Complaint System.
- Pays special attention to syndicated estafa and large‑scale fraud.
- Docket fee: about ₱300 (subject to change).
C. National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
- File Consumer Complaint Form (can be emailed).
- NTC can order the telco to block the number or deactivate a SIM under RA 11934.
D. Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
- For fake‑lawyer calls, write to the IBP Commission on Bar Discipline.
- Attach the same evidence; the IBP will confirm whether the Roll Number given is fake.
E. Your Mobile Service Provider
- Globe: 211 (post‑paid) / 808 (pre‑paid) ➜ “Report a Scam Call”.
- Smart/TNT: 888 hotline or text “SCAM” to 7726.
- Provide date, time, and amount lost (if any). Telcos are obliged to flag the SIM.
4. Drafting a Complaint‑Affidavit — Checklist
| Element | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Heading | “Complaint‑Affidavit for Usurpation of Authority, Estafa, and Violation of RA 10175” |
| Personal Details | Your full name, address, contact. |
| Statement of Facts | Chronological, numbered paragraphs. |
| Acts Violated | Cite RPC Art. 177, Art. 315 (2)(a), RA 10175 Sec. 4(b)(2). |
| Witnesses | Names and brief description of what each can testify to. |
| Prayer | Request for investigation, filing of information, and immediate blocking of the SIM. |
| Verification & Oath | Signed before a notary public or any administering officer. |
Tip: Attach a USB drive or cloud link (private) containing digital files rather than printed screenshots to preserve metadata.
5. What Happens After You File
Preliminary Investigation The prosecutor or the NBI/PNP legal officer assesses probable cause. You may be asked for supplemental affidavits.
Subpoena to Telco Investigators request subscriber data, call‑detail records (CDR), and cell‑site locations.
Tracing and Arrest If the SIM is pre‑registered under false ID, investigators may still back‑track to CCTV at point‑of‑sale or money‑transfer outlets (e.g., Palawan, 7‑Eleven).
Filing of Information in Court Upon finding probable cause, an Information is filed with the Regional Trial Court (cybercrime courts have jurisdiction). Warrants and asset freezes follow.
Restitution and Civil Action Even without conviction, you can file a separate civil action for damages under Art. 33 of the Civil Code (independent of the criminal case).
6. Practical Safety and Prevention Tips
- Verify First, Pay Never: Police serve warrants in person with a mission order; lawyers send demand letters on firm letterhead.
- Use the IBP e‑Roll: Search the lawyer’s surname at <sc.judiciary.gov.ph data-preserve-html-node="true"/lawlist/>.
- Enable Call‑ID Apps: Example: Whoscall (partnered with NTC) flags common scam numbers.
- Educate Family & Helpers: Many victims are parents or household staff who panic.
- Report Even Attempted Scams: Patterns help law enforcement build bigger cases.
- Keep Evidence Organised: Create a dated folder for each incident to speed up prosecution.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I secretly record the scammer? Under RA 4200, secret recording of a private conversation is illegal. If you openly inform the caller (“This call is being recorded”), that may constitute consent. Safer: take detailed notes, put it on speaker with a witness, and rely on telecom CDR.
Will reporting really lead to arrest? Success rates have improved since the SIM Registration Act took effect (2022) and with PNP‑ACG’s cyber forensics. Larger syndicates are often traced through money‑transfer pick‑ups.
What if the caller threatens an immediate arrest? Only a judge can issue a warrant, and the PNP serves it in person. Phone threats are classic red flags—hang up and dial 911 or your local station to verify.
Conclusion
Scam calls that impersonate Philippine law‑enforcement officers or lawyers violate multiple criminal statutes and can be pursued aggressively—but only if incidents are reported and documented. By understanding the laws, preserving clear evidence, and approaching the right agencies (PNP‑ACG, NBI, NTC, IBP, and telcos), victims transform a frightening experience into a prosecutable case. Stay vigilant, share this information with family members, and remember: legitimate authorities never demand money or personal data over the phone.
This guide is for general information only. For personalised advice, consult a licensed Philippine lawyer.