FBI IC3 Report Filing Guide
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime.
Is this for me?
Yes.
The IC3 accepts complaints from victims worldwide, especially if the crime involved US-based infrastructure (exchanges, hosting, or suspects).
IC3 FAQ page:
Who should file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?
Anyone who believes they are affected by a cyber-enabled crime may file a complaint with the IC3, including citizens of another country or who may be reporting a subject in another country. You may also file on behalf of another person you believe has been affected by a cyber-enabled crime.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
IC3 Official Page
Go to: ic3.gov and click "File a Complaint".
Step 1: Victim Information
Mark Yeson "Were you the one affected in the incident", then fill your real name, phone number and email address.
Step 2: Compliant information
Fill in all fields marked with a red asterisk (*).
Enter your real details.
For Business Information section:
- Select No if you are an individual victim (main case)
- Select Yes only if you are reporting on behalf of a company or legal entity that was targeted. You will need to provide additional business registration details.
Step 3: Financial transaction(s)
Select Yeson "Did you send or lose money in the incident? " and specify total loss amount in US Dollars (USD).
Step 4: Subjects
In this section, you should report any information about the parties you believe are responsible for the incident.
💡 Before filing, read Avoiding Distraction Narratives.
If you have data on specific individuals, or if you consider the protocol/platform itself to be responsible for the breach, please fill in any relevant fields with the information available to you.
Step 5: Description of Incident
This is the most critical part of your report. You need to provide a clear, technical description without unnecessary emotion.
💡 Tip: IC3 values clarity.
Use the Master Statement:
To ensure your report is linked to the broader investigation, review and (if you find it consistent) use text we prepared in incident/summary.After the general description, you may optionally add additional evidence by following incident/evidence-guide.
Step 6: Other Information
Technical Details: Provide any technical details you deem necessary. We also recommend use this incident/evidence-guide.
Witnesses state:"Mass incident affecting hundreds of victims"
Previous Reporting: If you have already reported this incident to other authorities (e.g., local police, national cybercrime centers, or financial regulators), list the agency name and your case number here.
Update: Select No unless you are adding information to a complaint you have already submitted and for which you have an IC3 ID number.
Step 7: Privacy & Signature
This is the legal verification of your report. By signing, you confirm that all provided information is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
Digital Signature: Type your Full Legal Name (First and Last Name) exactly as it appears on your ID.
Legal Warning: Be aware that providing intentionally false information to the FBI is a criminal offense under U.S. law (Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1001) and can lead to fines or imprisonment.
Privacy: By signing, you authorize the FBI to share this information with other relevant law enforcement agencies (local or international) to investigate the case.
After A Complaint Is Filed
Once submitted, save your Complaint ID and the PDF copy of your report.
After you file a complaint with the IC3, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to law enforcement and partner agencies as appropriate.