FBI Warning – IC3.gov Government Impersonation

IC3.gov Impersonation: The Rising Threat of Law Enforcement & Government Impersonation Scams

In an increasingly digital world, the threat of online scams and cybercrime continues to evolve, posing significant risks to individuals and organizations alike. One of the most concerning developments in this landscape is the rise of government impersonation scams, where cybercriminals create fake websites and online platforms to mimic legitimate government agencies. Among these, the spoofing of the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has emerged as a particularly insidious and effective tactic.

The Nature of the Threat

Government impersonation scams involve the creation of fake websites that closely resemble the official portals of trusted government agencies. These spoofed sites are designed to trick victims into providing sensitive personal information, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and banking details. In the case of the IC3, cybercriminals have gone to great lengths to replicate the look and feel of the legitimate FBI website, making it difficult for even savvy internet users to distinguish between the real and the fake.

The personal danger to scam victims who attempt to report an online crime through these spoofed sites is substantial. By entering their information into a fake portal, victims unwittingly expose themselves to identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime. The impact can be devastating, leading to significant financial losses, damage to credit scores, and emotional distress. Moreover, the erosion of trust in legitimate reporting mechanisms can deter other victims from coming forward, allowing scammers to operate with greater impunity.

IC3.gov / FBI Warning

Alert Number: I-091925-PSA // September 19, 2025

Threat Actors Spoofing the FBI IC3 Website for Possible Malicious Activity

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is providing this Public Service Announcement (PSA) to warn that threat actors are spoofing the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) government website. A spoofed website is designed to impersonate a legitimate website and may be used for illegal conduct, such as personal information theft and to facilitate monetary scams. Threat actors create spoofed websites often by slightly altering characteristics of legitimate website domains, with the purpose of gathering personally identifiable information entered by a user into the site, including name, home address, phone number, email address, and banking information. For example, spoofed website domains may feature alternate spellings of words or use an alternative top-level domain to impersonate a legitimate website. Members of the public could unknowingly visit spoofed websites while attempting to find FBI IC3’s website to submit an IC3 report.

Tips to Protect Yourself

The FBI recommends individuals take the following precautions:

• When navigating to IC3’s official website, type www.ic3.gov directly into the address bar located at the top of your Internet browser, rather than using a search engine.
• If using a search engine, avoid any “sponsored” results as these are usually paid imitators looking to deter traffic from the legitimate IC3 website.
• Verify that the URL of the IC3 website ends in [.]gov and is correctly entered as www.ic3.gov.
• Avoid clicking on any link whose URL differs from the legitimate IC3 site to mitigate risk of fraud.
• Never click on links that may include suspicious artifacts or graphics, such as unprofessional or low-quality graphics used to imitate a legitimate website
• Never share sensitive information if you are unsure of the website’s legitimacy.
• Report any incidents to the legitimate FBI IC3 website only at www.ic3.gov.
• IC3 will never ask for payment to recover lost funds, nor will IC3 refer someone to a company requesting payment for recovering funds.
• IC3 does not maintain any social media presence.

Report It

The FBI requests potential victims report any interactions with websites or individuals impersonating IC3 to your local FBI Field Office or IC3 at www.ic3.gov.

• Identify information about the person or company that contacted you.
• Note the methods of communication used, including websites, emails, and telephone numbers.
• Financial transaction information such as date, type of payment, amount, account numbers involved, the name and address of the receiving financial institution, and receiving cryptocurrency addresses.
• Description of your interaction with the individual, including how contact was initiated, purpose of the request for money, how you were instructed to make payment, what information you provided, and any other details pertinent to your complaint.

For additional information on similar scams, please see previous Public Service Announcements:

• IC3 | “FBI Warns of Scammers Impersonating the IC3“
• IC3 | “FBI Warns of the Impersonation of Law Enforcement and Government Officials“
• IC3 | “Scammers Using Computer-Technical Support Impersonation Scams to Target Victims and Conduct Wire Transfers“

Who Might Be Behind These Scams?

Speculating about the identity and location of the individuals or groups behind these scams is challenging, but several factors point to organized cybercriminal networks. These groups are often based in regions with lax cybercrime laws or where enforcement is weak. Countries such as Russia, China, and certain parts of Eastern Europe are frequently cited as hubs for cybercriminal activity. These regions provide a conducive environment for scammers to operate, with sophisticated infrastructure and a steady supply of new recruits.

The sophistication of these scams suggests that they are likely the work of well-funded and well-organized groups. They employ a range of tactics, including typosquatting, buying domains that are slightly misspelled versions of legitimate URLs, to lure unsuspecting victims. The use of cloned branding, stealthy scripting, and resilient hosting further indicates a high level of technical expertise and resources.

Recognizing and Avoiding Government Impersonation

Recognizing a government impersonation scam requires vigilance and a keen eye for detail. Here are some key strategies to help individuals and organizations avoid falling victim to these deceptive tactics:

• Direct Navigation: Always type the official URL directly into your browser’s address bar. For the IC3, this means entering www.ic3.gov. Avoid using search engines, as sponsored results can lead to spoofed sites.
• Check the Domain: Ensure that the website ends in “.gov,” which is a protected US top-level domain. Spoofed sites may use similar-looking domains, such as “.com” or “.net,” to deceive users.
• Look for Inconsistencies: Pay close attention to the design and content of the website. Spoofed sites may have minor discrepancies, such as incorrect logos, misspelled words, or outdated information.
• Avoid Social Media Links: Government agencies like the IC3 do not have official social media presences. Any links to social media pages claiming to be associated with the IC3 should be treated with skepticism.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Communications: If you receive an email or message claiming to be from a government agency and asking for personal information, verify the source independently. Legitimate agencies will not ask for sensitive information via unsolicited communications.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a spoofed website or believe you have been a victim of a government impersonation scam, report it immediately to the legitimate IC3 portal at www.ic3.gov. Provide as much detail as possible, including any financial transaction information.

The Broader Impact

The impact of government impersonation scams extends beyond individual victims. These scams undermine public trust in government institutions and their ability to protect citizens from cybercrime. As more people fall victim to these deceptions, there is a risk that the general public will become skeptical of reporting online crimes, fearing that their personal information will be compromised. This skepticism can lead to underreporting of cybercrimes, making it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to track trends, identify threats, and bring perpetrators to justice.

Furthermore, the financial losses incurred by victims can have ripple effects throughout the economy. Individuals may face long-term financial hardship, while businesses may suffer from reduced consumer confidence and increased security costs. The collective impact of these scams highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and increased public awareness.

Conclusion

Government impersonation scams, particularly those targeting the FBI’s IC3, represent a significant and growing threat in the cybercrime landscape. By mimicking legitimate government websites, cybercriminals are able to exploit the trust that individuals place in these institutions, leading to substantial personal and financial harm. Recognizing the signs of these scams and taking proactive measures to avoid them is crucial for protecting oneself and contributing to the broader effort to combat cybercrime.

As the digital world continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for staying safe online. By remaining vigilant, educating ourselves and others, and reporting suspicious activity, we can help to mitigate the impact of government impersonation scams and ensure that legitimate reporting mechanisms remain effective and trusted tools in the fight against cybercrime.

Glossary

• Address Bar — The field at the top of a web browser where a website address is typed. Direct entry lowers exposure to malicious links. Accurate typing reduces the chance of landing on spoofed portals.
• Alert Number — The reference code assigned to an official warning or bulletin. It anchors the message in time and aids verification. Matching the number and date supports authenticity checks.
• Alternate Top-Level Domain — A domain ending such as .com or .net used to imitate an official .gov site. Attackers register look-alike endings to capture traffic. Careful attention to the final domain segment prevents many errors.
• Authority Impersonation — A tactic in which criminals pose as agencies or officials to gain compliance. The presentation copies logos, tone, and format. The goal is fast disclosure of data or money.
• Banking Details — Financial identifiers such as account numbers, routing numbers, and card data. Criminals collect these through fake forms or calls. Exposure enables unauthorized transfers.
• Browser Address Mismatch — A discrepancy between displayed link text and the actual destination in the address or status bar. The mismatch signals redirection or deception. Hover checks reveal many traps.
• Cloned Branding — The replication of logos, fonts, colors, and layouts from a real agency. Close copying lowers suspicion. Small spacing errors and poor image quality often expose the clone.
• Complaint Details — The factual elements needed for a cybercrime report. Dates, amounts, payment rails, and recipient data increase investigative value. Organized notes speed response.
• Confidential Information — Personal or financial data that enables access to accounts or identity. Scammers request it under the cover of official business. Limited disclosure lowers downstream harm.
• Content Inconsistency — Errors such as misspellings, outdated pages, or broken links on a site. These inconsistencies point to a hastily built spoof. A brief review prevents data entry on fakes.
• Cryptocurrency Address — A public identifier used to receive digital currency. Fraudsters favor it due to speed and limited reversals. Retaining the address can assist tracing.
• Direct Navigation — The practice of typing a known address, such as ic3.gov, directly into the browser. This bypasses risky search results and sponsored ads. It is the safest path to official portals.
• Discrepancy Check — A quick scan for mismatched domains, low-quality graphics, or odd language. Repeated discrepancies raise risk. A pause to check reduces mistakes.
• Domain Name — The readable web address of a site, for example ic3.gov. Small changes in letters or order can hide fraud. Exact spelling is essential.
• Emotional Distress — The psychological strain that follows exposure to fraud or privacy loss. Distress can impair judgment and delay reporting. Calm guidance helps restore decision quality.
• FBI Field Office — A regional contact point for federal assistance. Direct contact validates communication sources and next steps. Staff guide victims to correct channels.
• Financial Fraud — Unauthorized transactions or monetary loss tied to deceptive requests. Fraud often follows submission of data on spoofed portals. Early reporting improves mitigation.
• Government Impersonation Scam — A scheme that copies the look and language of agencies to collect data or money. The tactic exploits trust in official symbols. Victims believe they are complying with lawful instructions.
• IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) — The FBI portal for reporting internet crime at ic3.gov. The legitimate site never charges fees and has no social media presence. The .gov domain confirms ownership.
• IC3 Payment Scam Myth — A false claim that IC3 requests money to recover funds or refers fee-based services. The real IC3 does neither. Any payment request signals an impersonator.
• Identity Theft — The use of stolen personal information to open accounts, take over services, or commit fraud. Spoofed reporting portals are a common source of stolen identifiers. Fast freezes and formal reports limit damage.
• Impersonation Email — A message that copies official formatting to solicit data or payments. It relies on urgency and legal-sounding language. Independent verification exposes the ruse.
• Jurisdictional Safe Haven — A location with weak enforcement or limited cooperation on cybercrime. Organized groups base operations there to avoid disruption. Cross-border cases face slow remedies.
• Law Enforcement Spoofing — The specific imitation of police or federal agencies to extract compliance. The approach leverages fear of legal consequences. Real agencies do not demand sensitive data through unsolicited links.
• Legitimate Portal — An official website with accurate branding, current content, and a verified domain. Clear contact routes and published policies support trust. Legitimate portals do not charge reporting fees.
• Organized Cybercriminal Network — A coordinated group that funds infrastructure, recruits workers, and scales fraud. Domain fleets and scripted sites enable quick rebuilds after takedowns. Centralized playbooks standardize attacks.
• Personally Identifiable Information (PII) — Data that uniquely identifies a person, including full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, phone, and email. PII enables account access and identity creation. Protection of PII is central to limiting loss.
• Phishing Page — A web form that pretends to be official to capture credentials or PII. The page mirrors a trusted site while sending submissions to attackers. Careful URL checks defeat most attempts.
• Public Service Announcement (PSA) — An official notice that warns the public about a threat and recommended actions. The notice includes dates and scope. It promotes consistent guidance across agencies.
• Red Flags — Observable warning signs such as odd domains, payment demands, or countdown timers. Multiple red flags strengthen suspicion. Early recognition prevents disclosure.
• Reporting Mechanism — The official path to submit a complaint, such as the IC3 portal. Correct use routes data to investigators rather than criminals. Clear instructions improve evidence quality.
• Resilient Hosting — Infrastructure designed to withstand shutdowns through backups and rapid redeployment. Abuse-tolerant hosts keep spoofed sites online longer. Lawful takedowns become harder.
• Search Engine Sponsored Results — Paid listings that appear above organic results. Criminals buy placements to intercept traffic bound for official portals. Skipping sponsored links reduces exposure to fakes.
• Skepticism by Default — A mindset that treats unexpected requests as unverified until proven legitimate. The stance counters pressure tactics. Proof replaces persuasion.
• Social Engineering — Psychological manipulation that exploits trust, fear, or authority to obtain actions or data. Impersonation scams rely on this method. Awareness reduces success rates.
• Spoofed Website — A fake site that copies an agency’s design and structure to mislead visitors. The goal is data capture or staged payments. Close URL inspection often reveals the spoof.
• SSL Padlock Icon — A browser indicator that shows an encrypted connection. Encryption does not prove legitimacy because fake sites can also obtain certificates. Domain accuracy remains decisive.
• Stealthy Scripting — Hidden code that tracks keystrokes, redirects forms, or loads fake confirmations. Scripting increases realism and capture rates. Security tools and prompt exits limit exposure.
• Threat Actor — An individual or group that plans and executes scams. Actors choose domains, scripts, and lures to meet profit goals. Their operations adapt quickly to public warnings.
• Top-Level Domain (TLD) — The ending of a domain, such as .gov, .com, or .net. The .gov TLD is restricted in the United States and signals government ownership. Look-alike TLDs often indicate imitation.
• Trust Erosion — The decline in confidence after repeated impersonation events. Erosion reduces reporting and cooperation. Clear communication and visible enforcement rebuild trust.
• Typosquatting — The registration of misspelled domains that resemble real addresses. Visitors who mistype are redirected to traps. Bookmarks and careful typing defeat the tactic.
• Underreporting — The gap between crimes experienced and crimes formally reported. Fear and confusion enlarge this gap. Lower reporting slows threat mapping and response.
• Unsolicited Communication — Contact that arrives without a prior relationship or request. Scammers use surprise to trigger fast reactions. Out-of-channel checks reduce risk.
• URL Verification — The act of checking the full web address for exact spelling and a .gov ending when appropriate. Hovering over links reveals the true destination. Exact matches lead to real portals.
• Verification Steps — Simple checks such as call-backs to known numbers and cross-checking domains on agency lists. Documented routines convert doubt into confirmation. Routine use prevents rushed mistakes.
• Wire Transfer Instructions — Payment directions that move funds quickly and are hard to reverse. Impersonators push for wires to finalize fraud. Immediate bank contact is required after a mistaken transfer.