How can I get a scammer's bank or e-wallet account frozen?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Through two layers, and speed matters for both. First, the fast temporary layer: report to your bank or e-wallet's fraud channel immediately — under their own fraud and anti-money-laundering procedures a provider can place a temporary hold on a flagged receiving account and try to stop the transfer while it investigates. Second, the legal freeze layer: only the Court of Appeals can issue a formal freeze order, and only on a verified ex parte petition filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) — a private victim cannot petition the court. Swindling/estafa and securities fraud are predicate 'unlawful activities' under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 9160, as amended), which is what lets the AMLC act; you set this in motion by reporting to law enforcement (PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or NBI) and, for investment scams, the SEC. When the AMLC petitions, the Court of Appeals must act within 24 hours; a freeze order takes effect immediately for 20 days and can be extended after a hearing to a total not exceeding six months. Nothing guarantees the money is still there — the sooner you report, the better the chance.
Primary sources
Frequently asked
Can I petition the court myself to freeze the account?
No. Under the AMLA (RA 9160, as amended), the freeze order is issued by the Court of Appeals only on a verified ex parte petition by the AMLC. As a victim you cannot file it directly — you trigger it by reporting fast to your bank/e-wallet, to the PNP-ACG or NBI, and (for investment fraud) the SEC, which is how the matter reaches the AMLC.
Is there anything faster than a court freeze?
Yes, but it is temporary and provider-side: when you report to your bank or e-wallet's fraud line, they can place a temporary hold on a flagged receiving account under their own fraud/AML procedures. This is why reporting within minutes matters — it can catch funds before they are withdrawn.
How long can a freeze last?
The Court of Appeals must act on the AMLC's petition within 24 hours of filing. A freeze order is effective immediately for 20 days, and after a summary hearing may be extended — but the total cannot exceed six (6) months under RA 9160, as amended.
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What to do after an online scam — the first-hour playbook, where to report (PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, NBI, DOJ Office of Cybercrime), how to spot and report investment/Ponzi scams to the SEC, phishing and OTP theft, online-shopping fraud (undelivered, fake, or misrepresented goods), romance and job scams, and the legal basis under estafa (Revised Penal Code Art. 315), RA 8484, RA 10175, RA 8792, RA 7394, and RA 8799.