Scammers Pose as FBI Agents to Re-Target Online Fraud Victims
In a new and alarming twist on online fraud, cybercriminals are impersonating the very government agency designed to protect scam victims. According to an FBI statement, scammers are pretending to be employees from its Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a division focused on combating digital fraud. The goal? To trick people who have already lost money once into handing over their financial details yet again.
A Bold New Tactic
The FBI says it received more than 100 reports of IC3 impersonation attempts between December 2023 and February 2025. While that number may seem low compared to the 880,000+ complaints IC3 recorded in 2023—totaling $12.5 billion in reported losses—it marks a concerning escalation. By targeting victims who have already fallen for online scams, criminals exploit a vulnerable group twice.
How It Works
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Initial Contact: Scammers reach out via email, social media, online forums, or phone calls.
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False Promises: Posing as “IC3 representatives,” the fraudsters claim to have recovered lost funds or offer assistance recovering money.
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Fabricated Personas: In some instances, criminals create social media accounts using female personas to gain victims’ trust, directing them to a fictitious “chief director” on Telegram named “Jaime Quin.”
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Second Victimization: After gaining trust, scammers request financial details, supposedly to return the lost money. Instead, they steal more funds or private data.
How to Protect Yourself
1. Recognize Phony FBI Contact
The FBI does not use Telegram, social media DMs, or public forums to offer help. If someone claiming to be from the FBI contacts you through these channels, it’s a red flag.
2. Understand IC3’s Role
The IC3 never charges a fee to recover money. If a supposed official requests payment or directs you to a fee-based service, it’s likely a scam.
3. Guard Your Personal Data
Avoid sharing banking information, Social Security numbers, or logins with strangers—especially those who contact you unsolicited. Legitimate agencies will not ask for sensitive details over casual communication channels.
4. Hang Up on Payment Requests
Be wary of anyone asking for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to finalize a claim or facilitate a “refund.” This is a common scam tactic and should be ignored.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a potential scam or have already been victimized, report it to the IC3. Individuals 60 or older can also seek additional help filing a complaint by contacting the Department of Justice Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
The Bottom Line
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated—going so far as to impersonate the very agencies working to stop them. Stay vigilant by verifying any claims of recovered funds, safeguarding personal information, and promptly reporting suspicious activity. By understanding the scammers’ tactics and taking proactive measures, you can help protect yourself and others from becoming a victim again.
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