When a scammer uses your business logo in Facebook ads, Google search ads, TikTok videos, sponsored posts, fake landing pages, or messaging-app promotions, it is not “just a branding issue.” It can mislead customers, divert payments, damage your reputation, and make innocent people believe your business is behind the scam. In the Philippines, the right response is usually a combination of fast platform takedown, evidence preservation, cybercrime reporting, intellectual property enforcement, and—when victims lost money—coordination with banks, e-wallets, the police, the NBI, or the SEC.
What “unauthorized use of your business logo in scam ads” means
A scam ad usually has two layers:
- IP misuse — the scammer uses your logo, business name, product photos, trade dress, or official-looking branding without permission.
- Fraudulent conduct — the ad tricks people into paying money, giving personal data, downloading malware, joining a fake investment scheme, or messaging an impersonator.
Common examples in the Philippines include:
- A fake Facebook page using your restaurant logo to sell “discount vouchers.”
- A sponsored Google ad using your clinic name to redirect patients to a phishing site.
- A TikTok Shop or marketplace listing using your brand logo to sell counterfeit goods.
- A fake investment ad using your company logo to make the offer look legitimate.
- A fake recruitment ad using your business logo to collect “processing fees.”
- A scammer using your logo in Messenger, Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, or SMS messages to solicit payments.
The practical goal is not only to “prove infringement.” The urgent goal is to stop the ad, preserve evidence before it disappears, identify the account/payment trail, warn customers, and file the right reports with the right offices.
Is your business logo protected under Philippine law?
Yes, but the strength of your protection depends on what you can prove.
A logo may be protected in several ways:
| Type of protection | What it protects | Why it matters in scam ads |
|---|---|---|
| Registered trademark or service mark | Your logo, brand name, or mark used to identify your goods or services | Strongest basis for platform takedowns, IPOPHL action, civil cases, and criminal complaints |
| Unregistered mark with goodwill | A mark the public already associates with your business | May support unfair competition claims even without trademark registration |
| Copyright | The original artistic design of the logo | Useful when the scammer copied the artwork itself |
| Trade name/business name | Your business identity registered with DTI, SEC, CDA, or LGU | Helpful proof of identity, but not a substitute for trademark registration |
| Civil rights and fraud remedies | Damage to reputation, loss of customers, deception, bad faith | Useful when the scam causes measurable harm |
A common mistake is assuming that a DTI business name registration or SEC company registration automatically gives full trademark protection. It does not. DTI or SEC registration proves that your business name or company exists, but trademark rights are handled by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 8293.
If your logo is not yet registered as a trademark, you may still have remedies, especially if the public already recognizes the logo as yours. But in practice, platforms, investigators, and opposing parties usually take your complaint more seriously when you can show an IPOPHL certificate, pending application, or clear proof of longstanding use.
Legal basis in the Philippines
Trademark infringement under the Intellectual Property Code
Under Section 147 of RA 8293, the owner of a registered mark has the exclusive right to prevent others from using identical or similar signs for goods or services where such use is likely to cause confusion. This is important because scam ads are designed to create exactly that: confusion.
Section 155 of RA 8293 covers unauthorized use of a registered mark, including in the sale, offering for sale, distribution, or advertising of goods or services. This is why an online ad using your logo can be treated as trademark infringement even before the scammer completes an actual sale.
The law also allows remedies such as:
- Damages under Section 156;
- Injunction to stop further use;
- Destruction or disposal of infringing materials under Section 157; and
- Possible criminal penalties under Section 170 for acts under Sections 155, 168, and 169. The penalty stated in the law is imprisonment of two to five years and a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱200,000.
Philippine trademark cases often focus on likelihood of confusion. In cases such as McDonald’s Corporation v. MacJoy Fastfood Corporation, G.R. No. 166115, the Supreme Court applied the dominancy test, which looks at the main or dominant features of competing marks that may confuse ordinary consumers. This matters in scam ads because scammers often copy the most recognizable part of a brand—the logo, name, color scheme, or tagline—even if the rest of the page is slightly different.
Unfair competition and false association
Even if your mark is not registered, Section 168 of RA 8293 protects business goodwill against unfair competition. In simple terms, goodwill is the reputation and customer trust attached to your business.
Unfair competition may apply when someone uses deception or bad faith to pass off their goods, services, or business as yours. For scam ads, this is often easier to understand than pure trademark analysis: the scammer is making the public believe the ad is connected with, sponsored by, or approved by your business.
Section 169 of RA 8293 also covers false designations, false descriptions, or false representations likely to cause confusion about affiliation, connection, sponsorship, or approval. This is directly relevant when a scam ad says or implies:
- “Official partner”
- “Authorized promo”
- “Verified branch”
- “Approved by [your business]”
- “Limited offer from [your brand]”
- “Official payment channel”
If none of that is true, the ad may support a complaint for false association or misleading commercial representation.
Cybercrime, estafa, and identity misuse
When the scam happens online, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Republic Act No. 10175 may also apply.
Relevant offenses may include:
- Computer-related forgery — when fake digital content is created or used to make data appear authentic;
- Computer-related fraud — when computer data or systems are used with fraudulent intent causing damage;
- Computer-related identity theft — when identifying information belonging to another, including a juridical person such as a corporation, is intentionally acquired, used, misused, transferred, possessed, altered, or deleted without right;
- Cyber-squatting — when a domain name is acquired in bad faith to profit, mislead, destroy reputation, or deprive the rightful owner, especially if it is similar or confusingly similar to an existing registered trademark.
Under Section 6 of RA 10175, crimes under the Revised Penal Code or special laws committed through information and communications technology may carry a penalty one degree higher than the ordinary offense.
If victims were tricked into paying money, the facts may also involve estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, especially where there are false pretenses or fraudulent representations. The paying victims are often the direct complainants for estafa, but your business may also file or support a complaint if your logo, name, accounts, or goodwill were used as part of the scheme.
Consumer, e-commerce, and financial scam laws
Scam ads may also trigger other Philippine laws depending on what the ad is selling or pretending to offer.
The Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 7394, protects consumers against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts or practices. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) may become relevant if the scam involves consumer goods or services.
The Internet Transactions Act of 2023, Republic Act No. 11967, regulates certain business-to-business and business-to-consumer internet transactions and recognizes DTI’s role in e-commerce regulation. It is especially relevant where the scam operates through online merchants, e-marketplaces, e-retailers, or digital platforms.
If the scam ad is an investment scheme, lending scheme, fake stock/crypto offer, or unauthorized solicitation of investments, report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC is often the practical first stop for fake investment ads using real company logos.
If the scam involves bank accounts, e-wallets, money mule accounts, phishing, OTP harvesting, or social engineering, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, Republic Act No. 12010, may also be relevant. It specifically addresses financial accounts used in cybercrime schemes, including money muling and social engineering.
If the scammer collected customers’ names, IDs, addresses, phone numbers, medical data, financial information, or account credentials, the Data Privacy Act of 2012, Republic Act No. 10173 and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) may also come into play.
What to do first: preserve evidence before the scam ad disappears
Do not rely on memory or a single screenshot. Scam ads, fake pages, and landing pages can be edited, deleted, geo-targeted, or shown only to selected users.
Before reporting, preserve evidence carefully.
Capture these details immediately
Screenshot the ad
- Include the logo, text, page name, date, time, and platform interface if possible.
- On mobile, take multiple screenshots showing the ad and the account/page behind it.
Record the ad URL or link
- Use “Copy link” or “Share” where available.
- For Google Ads, capture the final landing page and visible display URL.
- For Facebook/Instagram, capture the page link, ad link, and profile/page ID if visible.
Open and screenshot the landing page
- Capture the full page, payment instructions, forms, claims, and contact details.
- Do not enter real customer information.
Save videos
- If the scam uses reels, TikTok videos, or YouTube ads, screen-record the video with the account name and caption visible.
Capture payment details
- Bank names, account numbers, e-wallet numbers, QR codes, crypto wallet addresses, payment links, and checkout pages.
Capture communication
- Messenger, Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, SMS, email headers, call logs, and chat transcripts.
Collect customer reports
- Ask affected customers for screenshots, receipts, transaction references, and the exact link they clicked.
- If they are willing, ask them to execute a sworn statement later.
Check if the ad is active in an ad library
- Meta has tools that may show active ads run by a page.
- Google and other platforms may have ad transparency tools depending on the ad type.
Make a simple evidence log
Use a table like this:
| Date and time seen | Platform | Link/account | What was copied | Scam claim | Payment/contact details | Screenshot file name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 July 2026, 9:15 AM | Fake page URL | Logo and brand name | “Official 70% off promo” | GCash number ending 1234 | FB-ad-001.png | |
| 4 July 2026, 9:22 AM | Landing page | Website URL | Logo, product photos | “Pay reservation fee” | Bank account under unknown name | Landing-001.png |
This log helps investigators, platforms, banks, and lawyers understand the timeline quickly.
Step-by-step guide to report unauthorized use of your business logo in scam ads
1. Report the ad to the platform immediately
Platform takedown is usually the fastest way to reduce harm. It does not replace a legal complaint, but it can stop the ad from reaching more victims.
Where to report
| Platform | Best reporting route | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook / Instagram / Meta | Meta Intellectual Property Help Center or in-app ad/page reporting | Use trademark report if your logo or brand is registered; use impersonation/scam reporting if the page pretends to be you |
| Google Ads / Search | Google Ads trademark complaint process and Google legal removal tools | Include trademark registration, ad screenshots, search term used, landing page, and advertiser details if visible |
| YouTube | YouTube trademark complaint process | Useful for scam videos, sponsored videos, or channels using your logo |
| TikTok / TikTok Shop | TikTok trademark infringement reporting or TikTok in-app reporting | For TikTok ads and commercial content, report both IP infringement and scam/misrepresentation |
| Marketplaces | Seller/report abuse/IP portal of the marketplace | Include trademark certificate, product listing links, seller name, and proof you are the rights owner |
What to include in the platform report
Prepare a concise report with:
- Your legal business name;
- Your brand name and logo;
- Trademark registration number or application number, if any;
- DTI/SEC registration documents;
- Your official website and official social media pages;
- The fake ad URL, page URL, profile URL, product listing, or landing page;
- Screenshots showing the unauthorized logo use;
- Explanation that the ad is not authorized and is being used for a scam;
- Proof that customers are being misled, if available.
Be specific. Instead of saying “This is fake,” say:
“This ad uses our registered logo and business name without authority. It falsely represents that the advertiser is connected with our company and redirects users to a payment page not owned or controlled by us.”
2. Post a public warning on your official channels
A public warning helps protect customers and creates a timestamped record that your business acted promptly.
Keep it factual. Avoid naming private individuals unless you have verified their identity. Many scam accounts use stolen identities.
A good public notice should include:
- A clear statement that the ad/page/account is not connected with your business;
- Your official website, page, store, and payment channels;
- A reminder not to send money or personal data through the fake link;
- Instructions for customers who already paid or submitted information;
- A request for screenshots and transaction receipts from affected customers.
Example wording:
We have received reports of fake ads using our logo and business name. These ads are not authorized by our company. Please transact only through our official page, website, and listed payment channels. If you clicked the fake ad, sent money, or submitted personal information, please save screenshots and transaction receipts and report the incident to your bank/e-wallet and the proper authorities.
3. Report the IP violation to IPOPHL
For intellectual property violations involving counterfeiting, piracy, or online misuse of IP, you may report to the IPOPHL Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Office (IEO). IPOPHL states that administrative enforcement action may be initiated by a report or by filing a verified complaint, and it lists reporting channels for IP violations through its Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Office.
In practice, IPOPHL is especially useful when:
- Your trademark is registered or pending;
- The scam involves counterfeit goods;
- The fake seller is operating in the Philippines;
- You need an IP enforcement record;
- There are multiple fake pages, sellers, or online listings;
- You may later pursue administrative, civil, or criminal action.
What to prepare for IPOPHL
- IPOPHL trademark certificate or application details;
- Logo file and official brand materials;
- DTI/SEC registration;
- Screenshots and URLs of the scam ads;
- Proof of your official online channels;
- Customer complaints and receipts, if any;
- A short narrative explaining how the unauthorized use harms your business.
If your logo is not yet registered, consider filing a trademark application as soon as possible through IPOPHL. Registration will not magically erase past harm, but it strengthens future enforcement and takedown requests.
4. File a cybercrime report with PNP ACG or NBI Cybercrime Division
For online scams, phishing, impersonation, fake ads, fraudulent payment collection, and identity misuse, report to law enforcement.
Under Section 10 of RA 10175, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are responsible for cybercrime law enforcement and must organize cybercrime units or centers.
You may report to:
- PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) or the nearest Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit;
- NBI Cybercrime Division or NBI Regional Cybercrime Centers;
- The nearest police station, especially if you need an incident blotter or quick referral.
The NBI’s citizen’s charter for Investigative Assistance for Victims of Computer Crimes indicates that complainants may proceed to the CyberCrime Division, fill up a complaint sheet, undergo preliminary interview and investigation, and execute sworn statements or submit prepared affidavits and supporting documents through the NBI CyberCrime Division process.
What law enforcement usually needs
Bring or prepare:
- Government-issued ID of the complainant or authorized representative;
- Board secretary’s certificate or authorization letter if filing for a corporation;
- DTI certificate for sole proprietorships, SEC documents for corporations/partnerships;
- Business permit, if available;
- IPOPHL trademark certificate or application, if available;
- Evidence log;
- Printed screenshots and digital copies;
- URLs, usernames, page IDs, email addresses, phone numbers;
- Payment details used by the scammer;
- Customer complaints, receipts, and sworn statements;
- Your own affidavit or complaint-affidavit.
For corporations, investigators often ask for proof that the person filing is authorized to represent the company. Prepare a Secretary’s Certificate or board authorization, especially if the complaint may proceed to a prosecutor.
5. Report payment channels to banks, e-wallets, and payment processors
If the scam ad includes payment instructions, act quickly. Money moves fast through e-wallets, bank transfers, crypto wallets, and mule accounts.
Report to:
- The receiving bank;
- The sending bank, if your customer paid from a bank account;
- GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, GrabPay, or other e-wallet provider;
- Payment gateway or checkout provider;
- Marketplace or platform payment support;
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) consumer assistance channels if a regulated financial institution is involved.
Ask affected customers to report from their own accounts as well because banks and e-wallets often require the account holder’s complaint before freezing, reversing, or investigating transactions.
Include:
- Transaction reference number;
- Date and time;
- Sender and receiver details;
- Screenshots of the fake ad and payment instruction;
- Police report or cybercrime complaint reference, if already available.
If the scam involves money mule accounts or social engineering, RA 12010 may become relevant, particularly where accounts were opened, borrowed, used, or transferred to receive proceeds of scams.
6. Report to the SEC if the scam involves investments
If the fake ad uses your logo for an investment, crypto trading, forex, lending, franchise, crowdfunding, profit-sharing, or “guaranteed income” scheme, report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This is important even if your business is not an investment company. The scammer may be using your logo to make an illegal solicitation look legitimate.
Prepare:
- The fake investment ad;
- Landing page or sign-up form;
- Promised returns;
- Payment instructions;
- Names of groups, agents, or admins;
- Chat records;
- Proof that your company did not authorize the scheme.
The SEC may issue advisories, investigate unauthorized investment solicitation, and coordinate with law enforcement where appropriate.
7. Report to DTI or the marketplace if the scam involves products or services
If the scam ad pretends to sell products or services using your logo, DTI may be relevant under consumer protection and e-commerce rules, especially where Filipino consumers are being deceived.
Examples:
- Fake appliance sale using a real store logo;
- Fake travel promo using an agency logo;
- Fake online course using a school or training brand;
- Fake product listing using your brand to sell counterfeit goods.
Under RA 11967, online merchants, e-retailers, e-marketplaces, and digital platforms have obligations in covered internet transactions. In practice, if the scam is happening inside a marketplace, report through the marketplace’s IP or fraud portal first, then escalate to DTI if consumers are being harmed.
8. Consider a cease-and-desist letter only when the target is identifiable
A cease-and-desist letter can work against:
- A competitor using your logo;
- A reseller pretending to be authorized;
- A marketing agency running misleading ads;
- A known individual or business behind the fake page;
- A website owner with traceable domain registration or hosting.
But if the scammer is anonymous, using stolen identities, or actively stealing money, do not rely on a letter alone. Report to platforms and law enforcement first.
A cease-and-desist letter should demand:
- Immediate removal of ads, pages, listings, and landing pages;
- Cessation of logo and brand use;
- Disclosure of ad accounts, sales, and payment channels;
- Preservation of records;
- Written undertaking not to repeat the conduct;
- Compensation or settlement discussion, if appropriate.
For serious fraud, avoid warning the scammer before evidence is preserved. A premature letter may cause the scammer to delete accounts and move funds.
9. Decide whether to file a civil, criminal, or administrative case
The right case depends on your evidence, the scammer’s identity, the amount of damage, and your goal.
| Option | Main goal | Where it usually goes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform takedown | Remove ad quickly | Meta, Google, TikTok, marketplace, host | Immediate harm reduction |
| IPOPHL report/complaint | IP enforcement | IPOPHL IEO or Bureau of Legal Affairs | Trademark/copyright misuse, counterfeits |
| Cybercrime complaint | Investigation and prosecution | PNP ACG, NBI, prosecutor, cybercrime court | Fake ads, phishing, identity misuse, online fraud |
| SEC report | Stop illegal investment solicitation | SEC | Fake investment ads |
| DTI complaint | Consumer protection/e-commerce | DTI | Fake online selling or deceptive promos |
| Civil case | Injunction, damages, accountability | Regular courts, often RTC depending on claim | Known infringer or business competitor |
| Data privacy complaint | Personal data misuse | NPC | Phishing, leaked customer data, misuse of IDs |
Civil remedies may also rely on the Civil Code, including Articles 19, 20, and 21 on abuse of rights, acts contrary to law, and acts contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy. If fraud is involved, Article 33 may allow an independent civil action in certain cases of fraud.
Required documents checklist
Prepare both printed and digital copies.
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Government ID of complainant | Identity verification |
| Authorization letter or Secretary’s Certificate | Shows authority to file for the business |
| DTI/SEC/CDA registration | Proves business identity |
| Business permit | Supports actual operations |
| IPOPHL trademark certificate or application | Strong proof of logo/brand rights |
| Copyright proof or design files | Supports ownership of logo artwork |
| Official logo files and brand guide | Shows what was copied |
| Official website/social media links | Distinguishes real channels from fake ones |
| Screenshots and screen recordings | Core evidence |
| URLs, usernames, page IDs, ad IDs | Helps tracing and takedown |
| Payment account details | Helps banks/e-wallets and investigators |
| Customer complaints and receipts | Shows actual confusion and damage |
| Complaint-affidavit | Needed for formal investigation or prosecution |
| Notarized affidavits | Often required for prosecutor-level complaints |
For foreign-owned businesses or foreign complainants, documents signed abroad may need proper authentication. The Philippines is a party to the Apostille Convention, so many foreign public documents may be apostilled instead of consularized, depending on the issuing country. For corporate documents from abroad, prepare apostilled proof of incorporation, proof of authority of the signatory, and a Philippine representative if the matter will be actively pursued here.
Practical timelines and bottlenecks
Timelines vary widely, but these are realistic expectations:
| Action | Typical timeline | Common bottleneck |
|---|---|---|
| Platform report | 24 hours to several weeks | Incomplete proof of ownership, wrong report category, automated denials |
| Bank/e-wallet report | Same day to several weeks | Complaint must come from account holder; funds already withdrawn |
| IPOPHL report | Days to weeks for initial handling | Need clear IP documents and evidence |
| NBI/PNP initial complaint | Same day to several weeks depending on office and workload | Need personal appearance, sworn statement, complete evidence |
| Prosecutor complaint | Months or longer | Identifying suspect, subpoena issues, digital evidence authentication |
| Civil injunction | Weeks to months if urgent relief is pursued | Court congestion, bond requirements, proof of urgency |
| Full civil/criminal case | Months to years | Identifying defendants, service of summons, evidence preservation |
The most common reason complaints stall is not lack of law. It is lack of usable evidence. Screenshots without URLs, anonymous names without payment trails, or customer stories without receipts are harder to act on.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mistake 1: Reporting only “scam” and not “intellectual property infringement”
Platforms route complaints differently. If your logo is registered, report both:
- Scam, impersonation, or fraud; and
- Trademark or copyright infringement.
A trademark report often receives a different review path from a general scam report.
Mistake 2: Deleting comments and messages too quickly
It is understandable to panic when customers complain publicly. But before deleting anything, preserve evidence. Comments may prove actual confusion, reliance, and damage.
Mistake 3: Posting accusations against a person who may also be a victim
Scammers often use stolen names, photos, IDs, or bank accounts. Keep public warnings focused on the fake page, fake ad, fake link, and unauthorized payment channels. Let investigators determine identity.
Mistake 4: Assuming a notarized affidavit is enough
A notarized complaint-affidavit is useful, but cybercrime complaints often need digital evidence, links, metadata, payment records, and witness statements. Bring the technical trail, not just a narrative.
Mistake 5: Waiting until “many people” are scammed
Report early. Under RA 10175, service providers may preserve traffic data and subscriber information for limited periods, and formal preservation or disclosure requires proper legal processes. Delay can make tracing much harder.
Mistake 6: Using only your personal account to report
For a business logo, use your official business email, official domain, verified business manager account, or authorized representative where possible. Platforms are more likely to act when the report clearly comes from the rights owner.
Special situations
If the scammer is abroad
You can still report if Filipino consumers are targeted, your Philippine business is affected, the platform is accessible in the Philippines, payments pass through Philippine accounts, or damage occurs here. RA 10175 recognizes jurisdiction where elements occur in the Philippines, where a Philippine computer system is involved, or where damage is caused to a person in the Philippines.
For foreign suspects, enforcement is harder and may require platform cooperation, international requests, or coordination through the DOJ Office of Cybercrime. Still, platform takedowns, domain abuse reports, payment reports, and customer warnings can be effective.
If your logo is not registered with IPOPHL
You should still act. You may rely on business registration, proof of use, copyright ownership, unfair competition, false association, cybercrime, and consumer protection laws. But for long-term protection, filing a trademark application is strongly advisable.
If customers are blaming your business
Respond calmly and document everything. Explain that the ad was unauthorized, show your official channels, and ask them to preserve evidence. Do not promise refunds for payments your business never received unless you have decided on a customer-relations remedy. From a legal perspective, separate your official payment channels from scammer-controlled accounts.
If an employee, reseller, or agency ran the ad
The issue may involve contract, employment, agency, data access, or internal controls—not just external fraud. Immediately review who had access to:
- Logo files;
- Ad accounts;
- Business Manager accounts;
- Domain registrars;
- Website admin panels;
- Marketplace seller accounts;
- Customer databases;
- Payment accounts.
Revoke access, change passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and preserve logs.
How to strengthen your business before the next scam ad appears
Prevention matters because scam ads are often repeated under new pages.
Useful steps include:
- Register your logo and brand name with IPOPHL.
- Use consistent official branding across website, receipts, packaging, email, and social channels.
- Publish official payment channels and update them regularly.
- Verify official social media pages where possible.
- Use branded email domains instead of free email addresses for official transactions.
- Monitor ads and social media mentions for your brand name.
- Set up Google Alerts for your business name and product names.
- Keep high-resolution logo source files and design ownership documents.
- Include IP ownership clauses in contracts with designers, agencies, freelancers, and employees.
- Create a scam-response template so staff know what to collect and where to report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report a Facebook ad using my business logo without permission?
Yes. Report it through Meta’s intellectual property, impersonation, and scam reporting channels. If your logo is a registered trademark, include your IPOPHL registration number and screenshots showing the unauthorized ad. If the ad is collecting payments or personal data, also preserve evidence and report to PNP ACG or NBI Cybercrime Division.
What if my logo is not registered as a trademark in the Philippines?
You may still report the scam ad to the platform and authorities. You can use DTI/SEC registration, proof of actual use, official pages, customer recognition, copyright ownership, and evidence of public confusion. However, trademark registration gives stronger protection, especially for repeat takedowns and enforcement.
Is using my logo in a scam ad a cybercrime?
It can be, depending on the facts. If the logo is used online to impersonate your business, trick people, collect payments, harvest data, or create fake digital content, possible issues include computer-related fraud, computer-related forgery, computer-related identity theft, cyber-squatting, estafa, and IP violations committed through ICT.
Should I go to the barangay first?
Usually, cybercrime and IP-related scam ads are not best handled through barangay conciliation, especially when the scammer is unknown, located elsewhere, using fake accounts, or committing offenses punishable beyond barangay-level settlement rules. If the person responsible is known and lives in the same city or municipality, barangay conciliation may become relevant for some civil disputes, but urgent platform takedown and cybercrime reporting should not be delayed.
Can I ask the platform to reveal who paid for the scam ad?
You can request review and takedown, but platforms usually do not disclose advertiser identity directly to private complainants without proper legal process. Law enforcement may seek subscriber, traffic, or account information through lawful procedures. That is why filing with PNP ACG, NBI, or the appropriate agency matters when identification is needed.
Can my business sue for damages?
Yes, if you can identify the responsible person or entity and prove damage. Possible bases include trademark infringement, unfair competition, false representation, civil damages under the Civil Code, and other applicable laws. If the scam caused lost sales, reputational harm, customer complaints, or investigation costs, document those losses carefully.
What if the scam ad uses my logo but sells a different product?
It may still be actionable if the use creates confusion, false association, sponsorship, endorsement, or damage to your goodwill. Under Philippine trademark law, the analysis may consider whether the goods or services are related, whether the mark is well known, and whether the public is likely to be misled.
What if customers already paid the scammer?
Ask them to immediately report to their bank or e-wallet, preserve receipts and chats, and file their own complaint if money was lost. Your business should also file reports because your logo and goodwill were misused. Customer statements can help prove actual confusion and the fraudulent effect of the ad.
Do I need a lawyer to file a report?
For initial platform reports, bank reports, IPOPHL reports, and cybercrime complaints, many businesses start on their own. But legal help is often useful when drafting a complaint-affidavit, preparing corporate authority documents, seeking injunction, sending a cease-and-desist letter, filing an IPOPHL case, or coordinating multiple victims and agencies.
How fast can a scam ad be removed?
Some ads are removed within hours or days, especially when the report includes strong trademark proof and clear scam evidence. Others take longer or are denied on first review. If the scam is serious, do not wait for the platform alone. Report simultaneously to the platform, payment provider, IPOPHL, and cybercrime authorities as appropriate.
Key Takeaways
- Unauthorized use of your business logo in scam ads can involve trademark infringement, unfair competition, false association, cybercrime, estafa, consumer protection, financial scam, and data privacy issues.
- Preserve evidence before reporting: screenshots, URLs, ad links, landing pages, payment details, chats, customer complaints, and transaction receipts.
- Report to the platform immediately, but do not rely on platform takedown alone if people are being scammed.
- For IP misuse, report to IPOPHL and strengthen your position with trademark registration.
- For online fraud, report to PNP ACG or NBI Cybercrime Division with a clear evidence packet and sworn statement.
- For fake investment ads, report to the SEC; for online selling scams, consider DTI and marketplace complaints.
- If payments were made, affected customers should report to their banks or e-wallets quickly.
- A DTI or SEC business registration helps prove business identity, but it is not the same as an IPOPHL trademark registration.
- The faster you preserve evidence and report through the correct channels, the better your chances of stopping the scam and protecting your customers.