How do I report an online scam in the Philippines?
First call your bank or contact GCash to try to stop the money, then report the scam to the CICC hotline 1326, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) or the NBI Cybercrime Division. The police or the NBI can help you file a complaint for estafa or a cybercrime case.
Reporting matters even if the amount is small: it helps the bank, the platform and the authorities, and it can link your case to others by the same scammer.
Step by step
- Contact your bank or GCash immediately. Report the transaction as a scam and ask them to hold the money in the receiving account.
- Save everything: screenshots of the chats, the profile, the number, the account or GCash number that received the money, the receipts and the links.
- Call the CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) hotline 1326.
- Report the case to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) or the NBI Cybercrime Division, online or at their office, with dates and amounts.
- Report the profile on the platform where you chatted.
- If your bank or e-wallet does not help, file a complaint with the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas). For investment scams, also report to the SEC.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a lawyer to report?
- No. Anyone can report to the CICC, the PNP ACG or the NBI. They can guide you if you decide to file a case.
- I feel ashamed to tell anyone. Is it worth it?
- Yes. Scams fool people of every age and profession. Reporting helps stop the scammer.
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