The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning regarding an emerging scam where criminals impersonate officials from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Prevalence and Mechanics of the Scheme
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scams involving individuals posing as IC3 employees.
These scammers initiate contact through various mediums including email, phone calls, and even joining online social groups dedicated to victims of financial fraud.
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They craft elaborate ruses, often claiming to have successfully recovered funds lost by their targets to previous scams or promising to assist in their recovery.
However, these promises are designed to further exploit the victims, gaining access to their financial information under the guise of assistance.
One peculiar iteration of this scam involves scammers creating fake female persona profiles on social media platforms, infiltrating forums and groups where victims of financial fraud congregate.
These imposters pose as victims themselves and then refer the actual victims to another fictional character, “Jaime Quin,” portrayed as the ‘Chief Director’ of IC3.
“Quin” engages with victims via Telegram, asserting that their funds have been recovered and can be returned, but only after gaining access to more personal and financial data.
Protective Measures and Reporting
The IC3 does not directly contact individuals through email, phone calls, social media, or any public forums for follow-up.
If further information is required, communication will come from FBI field offices or other law enforcement officials.
To protect oneself, individuals are advised to never share sensitive information with unknown contacts online or via phone.
According to the FBI, the IC3 will not request payments or engage third parties who do, for the recovery of lost funds.
Furthermore, transferring funds, sending gift cards, cryptocurrencies, or other assets to unknown entities should be avoided at all costs.
Reporting such scams is crucial. The FBI encourages victims to file a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov, providing detailed information about the scammer, communication methods used, financial transactions, and the nature of the interaction.
For elderly victims needing assistance, the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 is available.
According to the Report, The FBI’s warning serves as a critical alert for the public to remain vigilant.
Criminal elements are constantly evolving their tactics, but the essence of the scam remains consistent exploiting trust to garner financial information.
By understanding how these scams operate and taking proactive steps, individuals can shield themselves from becoming revictimized by faux IC3 officials.
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