Arrest-Warrant-by-Text? A comprehensive legal guide to “SMS claim” scams in the Philippines and how to verify (or debunk) them.
1. Background — Why this scam works
Philippine mobile penetration is >140 % of the population and most Filipinos regard an “arrest warrant” as a life-changing event. Fraudsters exploit both facts by sending SMS such as:
“PNP warrant division: A warrant of arrest has been issued in your name. Verify at this link within 24 hrs to avoid arrest.”
The message triggers fear, prompting hurried clicks, payments, or disclosure of personal data.
2. How real arrest warrants are issued and served
Understanding the lawful process makes the scam easier to spot.
| Step | Legal Basis / Rule | What really happens |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint & investigation | Rule 112, Rules of Criminal Procedure | Prosecutor finds probable cause after sworn statements & evidence. |
| Information filed in court | Constitution Art III §14 | Judge independently determines probable cause. |
| Warrant issued by the judge | Constitution Art III §2 | Paper warrant bearing the judge’s signature and court seal. |
| Service of warrant | Rule 113 §6 | Personally served by a peace officer; the officer must show the original warrant and identify themselves. |
| No “verification fee,” no SMS requirement | — | Courts do not text or email suspects. |
Key takeaway: If it arrives by text, it is virtually certain not to be a genuine warrant.
3. Anatomy of the scam SMS
| Common element | Red-flag detail | Why it’s a giveaway | | Link to unfamiliar URL | Often a .site or .app domain | Courts use .judiciary.gov.ph sub-domains, never URL shorteners. | | “Case file #” that is 10–12 digits | Real docket numbers follow formats like RTC-BRN-XXXX-(Year) | Mismatch with the judiciary’s numbering convention. | | Deadline of 24–48 hours | Creates panic, suppresses rational checks | Courts do not set deadlines before arrest. | | Payment / GCash request | “Verification” or “lifting” fee | There is no fee to “lift” a warrant; bail is paid in court. | | Threat of asset freeze or immigration hold | Not based on any statute | Designed to frighten OFWs and business owners. |
4. Step-by-step verification checklist (Philippines)
Do not reply, click, or pay. Anything you send can confirm your number is active and escalate the scam.
Capture evidence: Save a screenshot of the SMS, noting the sender’s number/time.
Check the official e-Court or Judiciary Case Management System (if your name is unique).
- Visit https://ecourt.judiciary.gov.ph (some RTCs only).
- Search by full name and city/municipality.
Call the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) or Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) where you reside or where the alleged offense supposedly occurred.
- Phone numbers are on the Supreme Court website.
- Provide your full name and any docket number; they can confirm in minutes.
Consult counsel or the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
- PAO lawyers verify free of charge.
- Private counsel can also check through e-Court or physical docket.
Report the SMS to:
Office Hotline / email Notes PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) (02) 8414-1560; acg@pnp.gov.ph For investigation & possible entrapment. NBI Cybercrime Division (02) 8523-8231 loc 3454 Prepare affidavit & screenshot. National Privacy Commission (NPC) privacycomplaints@privacy.gov.ph If personal data was compromised. National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) via OneNTC app / SMS 8888 To deactivate the SIM. Block the number on your phone and via your telco’s official spam-report channel (Globe: 7726, Smart/Dito: 7726).
File for criminal prosecution if losses occurred (see Sec. 7).
5. Your rights when a real warrant exists
| Right | Source | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
| To be informed of the cause of the accusation | Const. Art III §14(1) | You must receive a copy of the Information. |
| Right against unreasonable searches & seizures | Const. Art III §2 | Warrant must state the exact offense & name. |
| Right to counsel & to remain silent | Const. Art III §12 | Exercise immediately upon arrest. |
| Right to bail (for bailable offenses) | Const. Art III §13 | Bail schedule set by SC Admin. Circ. 13-92. |
| Right to preliminary investigation (PI) | Rule 112 §1 | Even if arrested, you may request PI within 5 days. |
6. Penal laws used against the scammers
| Statute / Article | Punishable act | Range of penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Revised Penal Code (RPC) Art 154 | Spreading false news likely to endanger public order | Arresto Mayor + fine ⁓ ₱40 k |
| RPC Art 315 (Estafa) | Defrauding through deceit (asking “verification fee”) | Prisión Correccional to Prisión Mayor + restitution |
| RPC Art 177 (Usurpation of authority) | Pretending to be a police/judicial officer | Prisión Correccional |
| Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175) | Same acts above when done via ICT; Art 6 applies | One degree higher than RPC penalties |
| Data Privacy Act (RA 10173) | Processing personal data for unauthorized purpose | 1–6 years + ₱500 k–₱4 M |
| SIM Registration Act (RA 11934, 2022) | Using unregistered or false-registered SIM | ₱100 k–₱300 k + imprisonment |
Civil liability (actual and moral damages) may also attach under Art 33 & 2180 Civil Code.
7. How to build a case
Affidavit of Complaint (NBI/PNP template).
- Attach screenshots, bank/G-Cash receipts, call logs.
Subpoena to the telco
- Law-enforcement can trace the registered owner of the SIM under RA 11934 §10.
Digital forensics
- Preserve your phone’s logs; do not factory-reset.
Prosecutor’s inquest or PI
- After identification, file estafa/usurpation + RA 10175 charges.
8. Preventive tips for the public
- Enable built-in SMS spam filters (“Filter Unknown Senders” on iOS; “Block unknown numbers” on Android).
- Never disclose personal data, OTPs, or IDs via text.
- Bookmark official websites: judiciary.gov.ph, pnp.gov.ph, doj.gov.ph.
- Check URLs carefully—government domains end in .gov.ph or .mil.ph.
- Use telco spam portals (Globe Stop Spam, Smart Cybersecurity Desk) to speed up SIM blocking.
- Educate family members, especially seniors and OFWs, about the scam script.
9. Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer (Philippine setting) |
|---|---|
| Can an arrest warrant be served via e-mail or SMS during emergencies? | Only in e-warrant pilot courts, and still through police officers, never via a link or payment request. |
| If the text cites an RTC in a province I have never visited? | Jurisdictional mismatch alone makes it suspect. |
| Will ignoring the SMS get me in trouble if it’s real? | No. Real warrants are served personally; ignoring spam has no legal effect. |
10. Conclusion
An authentic Philippine arrest warrant is born in open court, personally served by law-enforcement, and never demands “verification fees.” Any SMS to the contrary is almost certainly a cyber-enabled scam covered by the Revised Penal Code, the Cybercrime Law, the Data Privacy Act, and the SIM Registration Act.
Stay calm, verify through the courts, consult a lawyer or PAO, and report the sender. Informed citizens—and swift reporting—are the best defense.
This article is for general information only and does not substitute for specific legal advice. If you believe a real warrant exists or you have suffered loss, consult counsel immediately.