How to Report Cybercrime in the Philippines (and Recover Your Money)
Report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI and call your bank or e-wallet immediately to freeze the funds. Under the 2024 AFASA law, banks can hold disputed money for up to 30 days and may have to repay you if they were negligent.
Quick answer: Report to the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (acg.pnp.gov.ph/eComplaint) or the NBI Cybercrime Division, and call your bank or e-wallet immediately to freeze the transfer. Under the 2024 AFASA law, banks can now hold disputed funds for up to 30 days — and may have to repay you if they failed to protect you.
What to do in 3 steps
- Call your bank or e-wallet now. For GCash, Maya or any bank, report the fraud, cite AFASA, and demand a hold on the recipient (mule) account. Money is often cashed out within minutes.
- File a complaint. Use the PNP-ACG e-Complaint desk (email [email protected]) or the NBI — keep your ticket / reference number.
- Escalate to the regulator. If your bank or e-wallet ignores you, take it to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (chatbot BOB / [email protected]).
How recovery actually works
AFASA, in force since 2024 with BSP implementing rules issued in 2025, is a real new lever: institutions can temporarily hold disputed funds and must restitute victims where their controls fell short. But recovery still depends on reporting fast enough that the money is still in the mule account, and authorised-transfer scams remain harder than account-takeover fraud. Assume the money can vanish once cashed out — so call within minutes.
What to have ready
- The amount, transaction reference and proof of transfer (bank or e-wallet receipt)
- The recipient's account / e-wallet number and name
- The scammer's phone numbers, emails, social profiles and links
- Screenshots of all chats, posts, ads and the payment confirmation
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report an online scam in the Philippines? The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (acg.pnp.gov.ph/eComplaint) or the NBI Cybercrime Division.
Can I get my money back? Possibly, under AFASA, if you report fast and the funds are still traceable or the bank was negligent.
What if my bank or e-wallet won't act? Escalate to the BSP consumer assistance team.