As the digital landscape in the Philippines expands, so does the prevalence of cybercrime. From investment scams and phishing to fraudulent online marketplaces, the anonymity of the internet has become a tool for illicit gain. However, the Philippine legal system provides specific mechanisms under Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and Republic Act No. 10951 to hold perpetrators accountable.

The following is a comprehensive guide on the legal procedures for filing a case against online scammers.

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Before approaching authorities, you must secure "digital footprints." In Philippine courts, electronic evidence is governed by the Rules on Electronic Evidence (A.M. No. 01-7-01-SC).

Take Screenshots: Capture the scammer’s profile, URLs (links), the fraudulent advertisement, and the entire conversation history.
Secure Financial Records: Save digital receipts, transaction slips (GCash, PayMaya, Bank Transfers), and deposit slips.
Identify the Trail: Note the mobile numbers used, email addresses, and the specific platform where the scam occurred (e.g., Facebook Marketplace, Telegram).

Phase 2: Reporting to the Proper Authorities

There are two primary law enforcement agencies tasked with handling cybercrime in the Philippines. You should report to either:

PNP-ACG (Philippine National Police - Anti-Cybercrime Group):

Process: Visit their main office at Camp Crame or their regional satellite offices. They have specialized units for "e-scams."
Complaint Desk: You will be asked to fill out a complaint form and provide your sworn statement.

NBI-CCD (National Bureau of Investigation - Cybercrime Division):

Process: You can file a formal complaint at the NBI Building in Manila or via their online clearinghouse. The NBI is often preferred for complex financial frauds involving organized syndicates.

Note: Initial reporting is crucial for "tracking." These agencies can request data from Service Providers (ISPs) or financial institutions, which is often difficult for private individuals to obtain.

Phase 3: The Filing of the Formal Complaint

Once the investigation yields results (such as identifying the real name behind a dummy account), the next step is the filing of a Criminal Complaint.

Preparation of the Affidavit-Complaint: With the help of a lawyer or the investigating officer, you will draft a sworn statement detailing the who, what, when, where, and how of the scam.
Venue: Under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the case can be filed in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of the province or city where the offense was committed, or where any of its elements occurred, or where the victim resides.
Inquest or Preliminary Investigation:

If the scammer was caught in the act (entrapment), they undergo Inquest proceedings.
Otherwise, it goes through Preliminary Investigation at the Prosecutor’s Office to determine if there is "probable cause" to bring the case to court.

Phase 4: Understanding the Charges

Depending on the nature of the scam, the prosecutor may file charges for:

Computer-related Fraud (Section 4(b)(2), R.A. 10175): Unauthorized input, alteration, or deletion of computer data with intent to gain.
Swindling (Estafa) under the Revised Penal Code: If the scam involved deceit and resulted in financial damage.
Note: If Estafa is committed through a computer system, the penalty is one degree higher than what is prescribed in the Revised Penal Code (Section 6, R.A. 10175).

Phase 5: Trial and Recovery

During the trial, the prosecution must prove the scammer’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Civil Liability: In the Philippines, when you file a criminal case, the civil action for recovery of money is generally implied. If the scammer is found guilty, the court will also order them to pay back the amount stolen plus damages.
The Cybercrime Warrant: If the scammer is unknown, the court can issue a Warrant to Disclose Computer Data (WDCD), compelling tech companies or banks to reveal the identity of the account holder.

Summary of Necessary Documents

Document Type	Details
Government ID	Valid ID of the complainant.
Affidavit-Complaint	Your sworn narrative of the events.
Digital Evidence	Printed screenshots, links, and metadata.
Proof of Payment	Bank statements, GCash transaction history, or deposit slips.
Demand Letter	(Optional but recommended) A letter sent to the scammer (if address is known) demanding the return of the funds.

Key Agencies Contact Information

PNP-ACG: (02) 8723-0401 local 7481 / pnpacg.ph
NBI-CCD: (02) 8523-8231 to 38 / nbi.gov.ph
CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center): Hotlines 1326 (Inter-Agency Response Center).