10/07/2025
PUBLIC ADVISORY: Beware of Court-Related Text Message Scams
The public is hereby warned against a prevalent scam involving text messages falsely claiming to originate from court employees. These messages often allege the filing of a case, threatening preliminary attachment and garnishment of funds for supposed debts or undisclosed legal matters.
Key Information and Actions Required:
1. Official Communication: Courts do not issue official notices, summons, or warnings regarding active cases, provisional remedies, or financial penalties via informal text messages. All official court communications are served through formal legal processes, typically in person or via registered mail.
2. Verification is Crucial: Do not respond to suspicious text messages. If you receive such a message, do not click on any links, call any numbers provided, or disclose personal information.
3. How to Verify: To ascertain the legitimacy of any purported court action, contact the Supreme Court of the Philippines or the Office of the Clerk of Court in your respective jurisdiction directly, using contact information obtained solely from official government sources (e.g., sc.judiciary.gov.ph). Or better yet, immediately go to the trial court in your jurisdiction to verify the matter.
4. Report Fraudulent Activities: Individuals who receive these fraudulent text messages are strongly advised to report the incident to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division or the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group.
Your vigilance is essential in combating these fraudulent schemes. Let us all remain cautious and rely only on official channels for court-related information.
