SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
What Is The FBI’s IC3.gov?
The FBI’s IC3 Accepts Online Internet Crime Complaints From Either The Actual Victim Or From A Third Party To The Complainant
They say that they can best process a complaint if they receive accurate and complete information from the person making the report. They request people provide the following information when filing a complaint:
- Victim’s name, address, telephone, and email
- Financial transaction information (e.g., account information, transaction date and amount, who received the money)
- Subject’s name, address, telephone, email, website, and IP address
- Specific details on how you were victimized
- Email header(s)
- Any other relevant information you believe is necessary to support your complaint
Sadly, most FBI IC3.gov reports are not investigated, but they are kept for later use if there is a need. However, reporting every crime is important.
Additionally, the FBI does not follow up with victims who report these crimes unless there is an active investigation. This means that most reports will not be responded to – the person reporting them will not hear back from the FBI.
In SCARS’s view, the failure of the FBI to not respond after a report is filed is a violation of the Victims’ lawful rights under the laws of the United States. In mid-2021 SCARS filed formal complaints with the United States Department of Justice and the FBI as well identifying this violation of victims’ rights. SCARS has received the agency’s acknowledgment of the formal complaint and an investigation is in process. Learn more here
The Primary Reporting Agencies For The U.S.
- ReportFraud.FTC.gov
- The FBI’s IC3.gov
- SCARS Anyscam.com (worldwide)
But What Is IC3.gov?
IC3.gov is the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (a United States government agency) collection point for online crime reports.
It collects information and then stores it in a closed database accessible to the FBI. But there is a problem, namely that the FBI does not really share information with other agencies unless they ask for it. Unfortunately, others do not know it exists so cannot ask for it.
Also, it is NOT the only place reports must be made. The first place to report these crimes if you lost money is your Local Police so you can include the police report number in your IC3 complaint. Then, also report the crime on www.Anyscam.com so it goes global over the SCARS|CDN Cybercrime Data Network -the SCARS Anti-Scam Data Reporting Network that goes out around the world.
IC3 It is not an investigative service, but it is a unit of the FBI that is an investigative agency. Only if enough information is collected can the FBI itself step in and act. And even then, they are limited by international law and treaties.
However, Most Victims Blame The FBI For Not Doing Anything, Yet They Do Exactly What They Say They Will Do
As we have presented over and over, they do quite a lot. They just don’t do what many victims want them to do. Which is rush right out and arrest scammers. Part of the reason for that is the quality of the information provided to them.
Their job is to collect the information so the U.S. Government can make accurate threat assessments and prioritize actions. But still to this day, with all the recent successes at arresting scammers in 2018, most victims still do not report. It is estimated that only 1-3% is reported by victims, the others simply do not bother. So that the United States Government assessments are significantly distorted and underestimated by at least 98%.
A Lot Is Being Done Constantly
- In 2018 more than 20,000 scammers and mules have been arrested.
- In 2019 more than 111,000 scammers were arrested
- In 2020 more than 80,000 scammers were arrested
- In 2021 it is estimated that over 100,000 scammers will be arrested
The reason so little is done? Because victims (95% of them) do not report!.
If You Want The Recent Trends To Continue Then You Have To Do Your Part! Report EVERY scam!
FBI IC3.gov Frequently Asked Questions
Prior To Filing A Complaint
- Q: Who should file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
- You may file a complaint with the IC3 if you believe you have been the victim of an Internet crime or if you want to file on behalf of another person you believe has been such a victim.
- Q: What details will I be asked to include in my complaint?
- The IC3’s ability to process your complaint will be based upon the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. The following is the type of information we ask for in the complaint form:
- Victim’s name, address, telephone, and email
- This will be your information if you are the victim, or another person if you are filing on behalf of a third party
- Financial transaction information (e.g., account information, transaction date and amount, who received the money)
- Subject’s name, address, telephone, email, website, and IP address
- The subject is the person/entity allegedly committing the Internet crime
- Specific details on how you were victimized
- Email header(s)
- Any other relevant information you believe is necessary to support your complaint
- Victim’s name, address, telephone, and email
- Q: How does the IC3 define Internet crime?
- Internet crime includes any illegal activity involving one or more components of the Internet, such as websites, chat rooms, and/or email. Internet crime involves the use of the Internet to communicate false or fraudulent representations to consumers. These crimes may include but are not limited to, advance-fee schemes, non-delivery of goods or services, computer hacking, or employment/business opportunity schemes.
- Q: Can I file a complaint if I am a citizen of the United States but have been victimized by an individual or company outside of the United States?
- If either the victim or the alleged subject of the Internet crime is located within the United States, you may file a complaint with the IC3
- Q: Can I file a complaint if I have been victimized by an individual or company in the United States, but I am not a citizen of the United States?
- Yes, if either you or the alleged subject of the Internet crime is located within the United States, regardless of citizenship, you may file a complaint with the IC3.
After A Complaint Is Filed
- Q: What happens after I file a complaint?
- Trained analysts at the IC3 review and research the complaints, disseminating information to the appropriate federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for criminal, civil, or administrative action, as appropriate.
- Q: When will I be updated on the status of the investigation of my complaint?
- After you file a complaint with the IC3, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction. The IC3 does not conduct investigations and, therefore, is not able to provide the investigative status of a previously filed complaint. Investigation and prosecution are at the discretion of the receiving agencies.
- Q: Will I be informed that my complaint was received successfully?
- Once you file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), you will receive the following message at the top of your filed complaint:
Thank you for submitting your complaint to the IC3. Please save or print a copy for your records. This is the only time you will have to make a copy of your complaint.
- Q: How do I cancel the complaint that I filed?
- Once a complaint has been filed with the IC3, it cannot be canceled.
Related Evidence
- Q: Should I retain evidence that supports my complaint or send it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
- IC3 does not collect evidence regarding complaints. While you may cut and paste information into your complaint (e.g., email headers), you must be sure to keep all original documents in a secure location. In the event that law enforcement or a regulatory agency opens an investigation, they may request the information directly from you.
- Q: What type of information would possibly be considered evidence in regard to my complaint?
- It is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Canceled checks
- Credit card receipts
- Money order receipts
- Certified or other mail receipts
- Wire receipts
- Virtual currency receipts
- Pre-paid card receipts
- Envelopes (if you received items via FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Mail)
- Facsimiles
- Pamphlets or brochures
- Phone bills
- Printed or preferably electronic copies of emails (if printed, include full email header information)
- Printed or preferably electronic copies of web pages
- Hard drive images
- PCAP files containing malicious network traffic
- Network, host system, and/or security appliance logs
- Copies of malware
- Chat transcripts and/or telephony logs
Keep items in a safe location in the event you are requested to provide them for investigative or prosecutive evidence.
Urgent Complaints
- Q: Can I file a complaint if I have been threatened over the Internet via email, chat room, website, etc?
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local police.
- Q: What should I do if I believe my complaint is time-sensitive?
- After you file a complaint with the IC3, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction. As investigation and prosecution are at the discretion of the receiving agencies, please contact local law enforcement directly if you believe your matter is time-sensitive.
Terrorist Tips
- Q: Where should I submit information relating to possible terrorist activity?
- To submit possible terrorist information, please visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website and submit a tip.
Disclosure of Information
- Q: What information can the Internet Crime Complaint Center provide regarding the legitimacy of a company?
- The IC3 cannot provide information on a specific company. The IC3 serves as the FBI’s central repository for the collection of Internet crime complaints.
- Q: What information can the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) provide if I think that a complaint has been filed against me or my company?
- The IC3 is not a resource available to the general public for answering questions arising from the complaint information it receives. IC3 does not release information about specific complaints and/or the resolution of those complaints. Therefore, IC3 is unable to provide you with such information.
Spam Emails
- Q: Is there an email address I can forward SPAM emails that I receive?
- The IC3 does not have an email address established for the receipt of such information. When filing a complaint at the IC3, be sure to copy and paste the entire email, including the header information, in the complaint.
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Table of Contents
- Helping Scam Victims Report These Crimes
- The FBI’s IC3 Accepts Online Internet Crime Complaints From Either The Actual Victim Or From A Third Party To The Complainant
- But What Is IC3.gov?
- However, Most Victims Blame The FBI For Not Doing Anything, Yet They Do Exactly What They Say They Will Do
- A Lot Is Being Done Constantly
- If You Want The Recent Trends To Continue Then You Have To Do Your Part! Report EVERY scam!
- FBI IC3.gov Frequently Asked Questions
- Prior To Filing A Complaint
- After A Complaint Is Filed
- Related Evidence
- Urgent Complaints
- Terrorist Tips
- Disclosure of Information
- Spam Emails
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
They have cheated my in the same way . Where can I make the report? One of the Bank Account is in Bank of America ( Huston,Texas) I live in Argentina. Can you help me please?
Look in our menu for how to report – you have multiple choices.