Below is a comprehensive guide on how to report a scam in the Philippines, including the legal framework, the relevant government agencies, and the step-by-step process you can follow. Please note that this information is for general reference and should not be taken as legal advice. If you need personalized assistance, consult a qualified attorney.

1. Understanding What Constitutes a “Scam”

A “scam” is a fraudulent scheme performed by a person or group of persons to obtain money, property, or other benefits under false pretenses. In the Philippines, scams can take various forms:

Investment scams: Ponzi schemes, pyramid scams, or any scheme that promises high returns with little to no risk.
Online scams: Phishing, identity theft, online shopping fraud, “love scams,” or other cyber-fraud.
Consumer scams: Bogus sales, delivery scams, or false promotional offers.
Financial scams: Credit card fraud, unauthorized money transfers, or ATM skimming.
Impostor scams: Individuals pretending to be government representatives, bank employees, or charity workers to solicit money.

It is important to be vigilant in detecting signs of fraud—such as unrealistic returns on investments, high-pressure tactics, requests for personal details, or irregular processes—and to know your legal rights when defrauded.

2. Legal Bases for Combating Scams in the Philippines

Several Philippine laws address fraudulent activities:

Revised Penal Code (RPC), as amended
- Covers estafa (swindling), deceit, and other forms of fraud.
- Estafa cases are often filed when a person causes damage to another by means of deceit.
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175)
- Governs computer-related fraud, online scams, identity theft, phishing, and cyber-swindling.
- Establishes offenses committed through or by means of information and communications technologies.
Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 8792)
- Recognizes electronic transactions and penalizes unauthorized or fraudulent use of electronic documents and signatures.
Securities Regulation Code (Republic Act No. 8799)
- Enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
- Covers fraudulent investment schemes, including pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes.
Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394)
- Protects consumers against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts or practices.
- Implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which accepts consumer complaints.

3. Authorities and Agencies Handling Scam Complaints

Depending on the nature of the scam, you can approach any or all of the following agencies:

Philippine National Police (PNP)
- PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG): Handles online scams, identity theft, and other cyber-related crimes. You can file a complaint at the ACG headquarters in Camp Crame or at regional offices.
- Local Police Stations: If the scam is offline or involves general swindling, you may file a blotter or incident report at your nearest police station.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- Cybercrime Division: Specifically investigates cyber-related scams.
- Regular Complaint Division: For traditional fraud, swindling, and other non-cyber scams.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Handles investment-related scams, including Ponzi/pyramid schemes and securities fraud.
- The SEC can issue advisories and file charges against individuals or companies operating illegal investment schemes.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Accepts complaints regarding consumer fraud, false advertising, and other business-related scams.
- Provides mediation and arbitration services to resolve consumer complaints.
Local Prosecutor’s Office / Department of Justice (DOJ)
- After an investigation, the police or the NBI will refer the case to the Prosecutor’s Office for preliminary investigation if there is probable cause.
- The DOJ has special units handling cybercrimes and financial crimes.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
- Regulates banks and other financial institutions.
- For scams involving bank transactions, unauthorized withdrawals, or credit card fraud, you may also file a complaint with the BSP.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting a Scam

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Collect documents and records: Emails, text messages, bank statements, receipts, contracts, screenshots, or any tangible proof of the scam.
Identify details of the scammer: Names, aliases, phone numbers, email addresses, social media accounts, or bank account numbers used in the transaction.
Note down chronology: Date, time, location of each incident, the sequence of communications, and any witnesses present.

Step 2: Determine the Appropriate Agency

Offline/Local Scams: Visit the nearest police station or the NBI’s main or regional office.
Online Scams or Cyber-Fraud: Report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI Cybercrime Division.
Investment Scams: Notify the SEC.
Consumer-Related Scams: DTI is the primary venue for filing consumer complaints.
Banking Scams: Contact your bank immediately and, if unresolved, file a complaint with the BSP.

Step 3: File a Complaint

Draft a Complaint-Affidavit: Provide a clear and concise statement of facts, attach supporting evidence, and sign the affidavit under oath before an authorized official (often a prosecutor or a notary public).
Submit Supporting Documents: Bring the evidence you gathered (printouts, transaction records, etc.).
Obtain Reference Numbers & Updates: Keep track of reference numbers or case numbers for follow-up.

Step 4: Follow Up

Monitor the Progress: Investigations can take time; regularly contact the investigating office for updates.
Cooperate with Investigations: Provide additional information or clarifications whenever requested by law enforcement agencies or the prosecutor’s office.
Attend Hearings: If the case proceeds to preliminary investigation or court hearings, attend and comply with legal processes.

Step 5: Seek Legal Assistance

Private Lawyer: If you can afford it, hire a lawyer to guide you through the legal process.
Public Attorney’s Office (PAO): If you are indigent, the PAO can provide free legal representation and advice.
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP): For lawyer referrals or pro bono assistance in some cases.

5. Additional Tips and Best Practices

Report Immediately: The sooner you report, the higher the chances of tracing the scammer and recovering funds or property (if possible).
Keep Communication Records: Do not delete chats, emails, or call logs from the scammer until the investigation is complete.
Do Not Engage Further: Once you suspect a scam, avoid continued interaction that may compromise your safety or lead to additional losses.
Protect Your Personal Information: Never share passwords, PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), or security codes.
Verify Legitimacy: Check with the SEC, DTI, or other regulatory bodies if an organization or investment scheme is duly registered and licensed.
Stay Informed: Follow government advisories on common scam trends and known fraudsters.

6. Penalties and Possible Outcomes

Estafa under the Revised Penal Code can carry varying penalties depending on the value of the fraud, ranging from arresto mayor (up to 6 months imprisonment) to reclusión temporal (12 to 20 years imprisonment), and sometimes fines.
Cybercrime Offenses (RA 10175) can carry imprisonment ranging from prision mayor (6 to 12 years) to even higher penalties, plus fines.
Administrative Sanctions can be imposed by regulatory agencies like the SEC or DTI, including cease-and-desist orders, revocation of licenses, and administrative fines.

7. Conclusion

Reporting a scam in the Philippines can be a meticulous process, but understanding the legal framework, knowing which agencies have jurisdiction, and following the proper procedures can significantly increase the chances of a successful complaint. Always gather as much evidence as possible, seek legal assistance when needed, and remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.

This guide is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional legal advice. If you believe you have been scammed, take immediate action by filing the necessary reports with the appropriate law enforcement or regulatory agency, and consult an attorney who is well-versed in Philippine laws on fraud and cybercrime.