The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public alert concerning a sophisticated and persistent fraud operation in which criminal actors are impersonating employees of the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
According to FBI reports, more than 100 complaints of IC3 impersonation scams were received between December 2023 and February 2025, highlighting the scale and ongoing nature of this threat.
Fraud Scheme Employs Social Engineering and Digital Deception
In these schemes, perpetrators use multiple communication channels including email, telephone calls, social media platforms, and internet forums to establish contact with potential victims.
The scammers frequently target individuals who have previously reported financial losses due to scams, presenting themselves as IC3 personnel purportedly tasked with fund recovery.
Their approach often begins with unsolicited outreach, during which they assert they have recovered or can assist in recovering lost funds.
However, the true intent is to exploit and further defraud those who have already suffered financial harm, employing a classic “double-victimization” tactic.
An emerging variant of this fraud involves the creation of convincing female personas by scammers on social networking websites.
These fake profiles infiltrate online communities dedicated to financial fraud victims, posing as fellow victims to build trust and credibility.
The scammers typically recommend that genuine victims contact a supposed male IC3 “Chief Director” named “Jaime Quin” through Telegram or similar messaging apps.
Once contact is established, “Quin” claims successful recovery of the victim’s funds but then exploits this pretense to solicit sensitive financial information or initiate new transactions, ultimately revictimizing the individuals.
Technical and Security Guidance Issued by FBI
The FBI has reiterated that the IC3 does not engage in direct outreach via email, telephone, social media, messaging applications, or public forums.
When legitimate follow-up is required, it is conducted by authorized FBI employees operating from local field offices or by official law enforcement representatives.
The Bureau warns that while criminals frequently change names, aliases, and specific tactics, the underlying methodology of exploiting victims through claims of fund recovery remains a constant risk.
To mitigate exposure, individuals are strongly advised never to disclose confidential or financial information to parties known exclusively through online or telephonic interactions.
The IC3 will neither request payment for fund recovery services nor direct victims to third-party companies demanding compensation for such services.
Sending money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other assets to unknown or unverified individuals carries a significant risk of fraud.
The FBI is urging anyone who encounters suspicious or fraudulent activity impersonating IC3 personnel to submit a detailed complaint via the official IC3 portal at www.ic3.gov.
Complainants should provide comprehensive information, including identifying data regarding the contacting party, communication methods used (such as websites, emails, and phone numbers), and any financial transaction details (dates, payment types, involved accounts, receiving institutions, and cryptocurrency addresses).
A narrative describing the interaction how contact was initiated, the purported objectives of the scammer, the payment instructions received, and the scope of information shared will enhance investigative efforts.
Additionally, individuals aged 60 or older requiring assistance with filing an IC3 report may contact the Department of Justice Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for dedicated support.
The FBI urges ongoing vigilance as fraudsters adapt quickly, emphasizing that direct communication or requests for payments from IC3 employees should always be regarded with skepticism.
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