Scammed? what to do

Report to the FBI (IC3)

Last updated March 11, 2026

The short answer

Report internet crimes, large financial losses, and international scams

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is where you report internet-based crime. This is especially important for large financial losses, international scams, and anything involving the internet. IC3 analyzes complaints, groups related cases, and refers them to the right law enforcement agency.

What they handle

  • Internet fraud and cybercrime
  • Romance scams and dating fraud
  • Business email compromise
  • Investment and cryptocurrency fraud
  • Ransomware and hacking
  • Online extortion

How to file a report

  1. 1

    Go to ic3.gov

    Click "File a Complaint" on the homepage.

  2. 2

    Read and accept the terms

    Confirm you understand this is for internet-based crime reporting.

  3. 3

    Provide your information

    Your name, address, phone number, and email. This stays confidential.

  4. 4

    Describe the incident

    Choose the crime type, enter dates and amounts, and write a description of what happened. Be specific. Include dollar amounts, transaction IDs, and how you were contacted.

  5. 5

    Add suspect information

    Any names, aliases, email addresses, phone numbers, websites, social media profiles, or cryptocurrency wallet addresses.

  6. 6

    Submit and save your complaint ID

    You'll receive a complaint ID. Keep it. You'll need it if an investigator follows up.

What you'll need

  • Your contact information
  • A detailed description of the crime (dates, amounts, how it started)
  • The scammer's contact info and aliases
  • Transaction details (bank names, account numbers, crypto wallet addresses, wire transfer receipts)
  • Any emails, screenshots, or messages from the scammer

What to expect

IC3 reviews every complaint, but they can't investigate every case individually. They group similar complaints together and refer batches to the right FBI field office or law enforcement agency. Large losses and patterns of fraud get the most attention. You may or may not hear back, but your report matters.

Go to IC3.gov

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between reporting to the FTC and the FBI IC3?

The FTC handles consumer fraud of all types. The FBI IC3 specializes in internet-based crime. For online scams, report to both. They share data and each may pursue different aspects of the case.

Will the FBI investigate my individual case?

IC3 reviews every complaint but can't investigate every case individually. They group similar complaints and refer batches to the right FBI field office. Large losses and clear patterns get priority.

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