What is estafa (swindling) in the Philippines?

Answer

Estafa, or swindling, is a crime against property under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code. In general terms it is committed by defrauding another — causing damage through abuse of confidence, deceit, or fraudulent means — so that the offender gains and the offended party suffers a loss.

Article 315 groups the ways estafa can be committed, including misappropriation or conversion of money or property received in trust or on commission, and the use of false pretenses or fraudulent acts. It is distinct from theft, which involves taking property without the owner's consent rather than through deceit or abuse of confidence.

Sources & further reading

• Revised Penal Code Art. 315 — estafa / swindling
• Revised Penal Code Art. 308 — theft (for contrast)
• Full report: estafa under Article 315