Act No. 3815: Revised Penal Code (Article 315 — Estafa / Swindling)

Summary

Act No. 3815, approved 8 December 1930, is the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. Article 315 defines and penalizes estafa (swindling) — defrauding another by abuse of confidence, false pretenses, or fraudulent means — including by misappropriation of money or property received in trust, on commission, or for administration. It is one of the criminal-law bases cited when a lender, pawnshop or remittance agent unlawfully retains, misappropriates, or refuses to return amounts owed to a customer.