FBI alerts public on rising IC3 impersonation scam cases

The FBI warned over a growing IC3 impersonation scam in which fraudsters pose as employees from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to deceive individuals who have already fallen victim to previous scams. Over 100 such cases have been reported between December 2023 and February 2025, with criminals exploiting victims’ hope of fund recovery as a means to extract more personal and financial information.

These scammers are known to contact individuals through various platforms, including emails, phone calls, social media, and public forums. In many reported incidents, the fraudsters claimed they had successfully recovered the victims’ lost money or offered to help in doing so. However, this claim was merely a ploy to revictimise those already affected by fraud, often leading to further financial loss and exposure of sensitive data.

 

A notable variant of the IC3 impersonation scam involved fake female profiles infiltrating online support groups for financial fraud victims.

 

These personas, pretending to be fellow victims, would recommend contacting a person named “Jaime Quin,” who falsely claimed to be the Chief Director of the IC3. Victims were instructed to reach out to Quin via Telegram, where he would assert that their funds had been retrieved. This tactic was used to gain access to private financial details under the guise of helping.

The FBI has clarified that IC3 employees do not contact individuals directly through phone calls, email, social media, mobile apps, or public forums. They also never ask for payment to recover stolen funds or refer victims to any external companies that charge for such services. The Bureau emphasises that sharing sensitive information with unknown parties, especially those met only online or via unsolicited contact, puts individuals at significant risk.

The public is urged to remain cautious, never send money or assets to unfamiliar individuals, and report any suspicious activity to the official IC3 website. Reports should include detailed information about the contact method, any financial transactions, and descriptions of the interaction. Elderly victims aged 60 and above who require assistance can call the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline.

The rise in IC3 impersonation scam incidents raised increased public awareness, especially among those already victimised by cyber fraud. Remaining vigilant and informed is vital in avoiding further exploitation.