FBI Warns of Scammers Impersonating the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Overview

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning regarding an ongoing fraud campaign in which criminals impersonate representatives of the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These scammers specifically target individuals who have previously been victims of fraud, falsely claiming they can recover stolen funds or assist with an active complaint.

Unfortunately, the offer of assistance is simply another scam designed to collect additional personal, financial, and account information from victims.

How the Scam Works

According to the FBI, fraudsters may contact victims through:

• Email
• Phone calls
• Social media platforms
• Messaging applications such as Telegram
• Online forums and advertisements

The scammers often claim to be FBI agents or IC3 personnel and may state that they have recovered funds lost in a previous scam or are working on behalf of law enforcement to help victims recover their money. In some cases, criminals direct victims to fraudulent websites that closely resemble the official IC3 website or provide links intended to gather sensitive information.

The FBI has also observed the use of AI-generated videos and fake social media profiles designed to make these scams appear more legitimate.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if you receive a communication that:

• Claims to be from the FBI or IC3 and requests personal information.
• Promises recovery of funds lost in a previous scam.
• Requests payment, fees, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• Directs you to click a link to “verify” or “update” a complaint.
• Pressures you to act immediately.
• Comes through social media platforms or messaging applications while claiming to represent a government agency.

How to Protect Yourself

To reduce your risk of becoming a victim:

1. Never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited communications.
2. Do not click links or download attachments from unknown sources.
3. Verify government websites independently by entering the address directly into your browser.
4. Be skeptical of anyone claiming they can recover funds for a fee.
5. Remember that IC3 does not charge fees to recover lost funds and does not contact complainants through social media platforms or messaging apps regarding complaint processing.
   

What to Do If You Are Contacted

If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the FBI or IC3:

• Do not respond.
• Do not provide personal information.
• Do not send money or digital assets.
• Preserve any communications, emails, or screenshots.
• Report the incident through the official IC3 website.
  

Stay Vigilant

Cybercriminals frequently exploit trust in government agencies and law enforcement organizations. Awareness remains one of the most effective defenses against fraud. If an offer sounds too good to be true, especially one promising recovery of previously lost funds, take time to verify the source before taking any action.

For more information, review the FBI’s official alert: FBI Warns of Scammers Impersonating the IC3. Or visit the official IC3 website at: [ic3.gov]