Since 2000, the IC3 has received complaints crossing the spectrum of cybercrime matters, to include online fraud in its many forms including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) matters, Computer Intrusions (hacking), Economic Espionage (Theft of Trade Secrets), Online Extortion, International Money Laundering, Identity Theft, and a growing list of Internet facilitated crimes. It has become increasingly evident that, regardless of the label placed on a cybercrime matter, the potential for it to overlap with another referred matter is substantial. Therefore, the IC3, formerly known as the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC), was renamed in October 2003 to better reflect the broad character of such matters having an Internet, or cyber, nexus referred to the IC3, and to minimize the need for one to distinguish “Internet Fraud” from other potentially overlapping cyber crimes.

Here on our website, you can take two vital steps to protecting cyberspace and your own online security. First, if you believe you have fallen victim to cybercrime, file a complaint or report. Your information is invaluable to helping the FBI and its partners bring cyber criminals to justice. Second, get educated about the latest and most harmful cyber threats and scams. By doing so, you will be better able to protect yourself, your family, and your place of work. Anyone can become a victim of a cyber-enabled crime. Take action for yourself and others by reporting it. Reporting cybercrimes can help bring criminals to justice and make the Internet a safer place for us all.

The mission of the Internet Crime Complaint Center is to provide the public and private sector with a mechanism to submit information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation concerning suspected cyber-facilitated criminal activity and to develop effective alliances with law enforcement and industry partners. Information is analyzed and disseminated for investigative and intelligence purposes to law enforcement and for public awareness.