How do I report a scam to the FBI IC3?
File a complaint at IC3.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. IC3 handles internet-facilitated fraud and shares reports with federal and local law enforcement.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is operated by the FBI and accepts complaints about crimes that involve the internet, including email fraud, online shopping scams, investment fraud, ransomware, and business email compromise. To file, go to IC3.gov, click 'File a Complaint,' and complete the form with details about the incident, the losses involved, and any contact information associated with the scammer.
IC3 analysts review complaints and route them to appropriate law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Secret Service, Postal Inspection Service, and state and local police. Cases with significant dollar losses or multiple victims across states are more likely to result in active investigations.
Be thorough when filling out the form: include IP addresses from suspicious emails if available, URLs of fraudulent websites, names and phone numbers you were given, transaction IDs for any cryptocurrency or wire transfers, and screenshots of conversations. The more evidence you provide, the more actionable your complaint becomes.
IC3 also publishes an annual Internet Crime Report with national statistics. For scams that do not involve the internet, report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov instead. Visit /report-a-scam for a side-by-side guide to all reporting channels.
Common red flags
- You received a fraudulent email, text, or social media message
- A website solicited payment and then disappeared
- An investment opportunity promised guaranteed returns online
- You were infected with ransomware or spyware
- Funds were transferred via wire or cryptocurrency at the scammer's direction
- A business email was compromised and a fraudulent payment was made
What to do now
- Go to IC3.gov and file a complaint with full details
- Attach screenshots, email headers, and transaction records
- Also report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Contact your financial institution immediately to attempt a recall
- Preserve all evidence: do not delete messages or accounts
- Consult /recovery for next steps after filing
Frequently asked questions
Does the FBI investigate every IC3 complaint?
No. IC3 aggregates complaints to identify patterns. Individual reports contribute to larger cases but the vast majority do not lead to individual prosecution, especially for smaller losses or overseas perpetrators.
What is the deadline for filing with IC3?
There is no hard deadline, but you should file as quickly as possible. Quick reports allow investigators to freeze funds or take down fraudulent websites before evidence disappears.