{"id":8930,"date":"2025-02-12T14:54:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T14:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/?p=8930"},"modified":"2025-06-02T18:31:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T18:31:08","slug":"report-cybercrime-to-the-fbi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.digitalforensics.com\/blog\/extortion\/report-cybercrime-to-the-fbi\/","title":{"rendered":"FBI IC3 Reporting Guide: How to Report Cybercrime to the FBI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Cybercrimes are growing at a rapid pace, targeting businesses and governments worldwide. Automation and generative artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed cyberattacks, including extortion, sextortion, and malware<\/a>, making them highly profitable for attackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Scott Schelble<\/a>, Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the FBI\u2019s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 80,000 complaints in 2025, with reported losses totaling $2.9 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To combat these attacks, the FBI provides resources for reporting cybercriminals<\/a>. This guide will walk you through what cybercrimes the FBI handles, how to collect and preserve electronic evidence, the steps to file a report to the IC3, and the state of cybercrimes in today\u2019s digital world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What Services Does the IC3 Provide for Cybercrime Victims?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The IC3 serves as a centralized platform for reporting internet-based crimes. While the center itself does not investigate individual complaints, it provides the following services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Complaint Submission<\/strong>: Victims can submit a detailed report of the crime through the IC3\u2019s online complaint form. This information is shared with relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Data Analysis<\/strong>: The IC3 analyzes trends and patterns in cybercrime to support broader FBI investigations and public awareness campaigns.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Resource Guidance<\/strong>: The IC3\u2019s website provides resources for victims, including steps to mitigate the impact of the crime, such as freezing credit reports or strengthening cybersecurity measures.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Collaboration with Other Agencies<\/strong>: The IC3 works with various agencies, including federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, to address cybercrime effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Steps to File a Cybercrime Report with the FBI\u2019s IC3<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Emergency Complaint<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In some circumstances, you may need immediate help. If so, dial 911 for quick help. You can also call your local police to deal with imminent danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Routine Complaint<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    To report cybercrime and online extortion<\/a> to the IC3, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Visit the IC3 Website<\/strong>:\u202fGo to\u202fwww.ic3.gov<\/a>\u202fand select the option to file a complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"IC3<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Figure 1: IC3 \u201cFile a Complaint\u201d Page<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once you click the \u201cFile A Complaint\u201d button, a new pop-up window appears asking you to either accept or decline the terms of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"IC3<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Figure 2: IC3 Terms and Conditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Fill Out the Form<\/strong>:\u202fOnce you accept the terms of service, you will be redirected to the IC3 complaint form page. The form will ask you to go through seven steps, which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Who is Filing this Complaint?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Complainant Information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Financial Transaction(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Information About the Subject(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Description of Incident<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Other Information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Privacy & Signature<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"IC3<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Figure 3: IC3 7-Step Process to File a Complaint<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It is important to note that IC3 does not typically require the complainant to provide Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as Social Security numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Follow Up<\/strong>:\u202fWhile you may not receive individual updates, you can track trends and news through IC3\u2019s public reports.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

      \n \n \n \n\n \n \"What\n <\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Figure 4: Digital Forensics Corp. Complaint Filing Guidance <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/span>What Happens After You File a Cybercrime Report with the FBI\u2019s IC3<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Once you have filed a complaint, an FBI-trained analyst will review and research your complaint. They will disseminate information to law enforcement and relevant partner agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It\u2019s important to note that the IC3 doesn\u2019t directly investigate cybercrimes. Instead, the report is filed and forwarded to the appropriate agencies, who will investigate and prosecute the responsible parties when possible. After submitting the complaint, you will receive the following official message from the FBI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"IC3<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Figure 5: IC3 Official Message After Submitting a Complaint<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The experts at Digital Forensics Corp. can assist you with follow-up plans, documentation, and communication with authorities. In this situation, you are not alone. Our company can assist your efforts to take back control and recover your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/span>What Cybercrimes Does the IC3 Handle?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The FBI\u2019s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is designed to process reports of cybercrimes affecting individuals and businesses in the United States. They deal with a wide range of cybercrimes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n