Frequently Asked Questions
Prior To Filing A Complaint
How does the CFIT define cyber-enabled crime?
Cyber-enabled crime includes any illegal activity that is assisted using cyber-related means. Cyber-enabled crime involves the use of internet technology to communicate false or fraudulent representations to consumers. In addition to websites, emails, and chat rooms, almost all telephone calls utilize internet technology. These crimes may include, but are not limited to, advance-fee schemes, non-delivery of goods or services, computer hacking, or employment/business opportunity schemes, and intrusion-based crimes such as ransomware and data breaches.
Who should file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (CFIT)?
Anyone who believes they are affected by a cyber-enabled crime may file a complaint with the CFIT, 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.
What details will I be asked to include in my complaint?
The FBI’s ability to address your complaint will be based upon the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. The following is the type of information we ask for in the complaint form:
Complainant's Information
Financial loss and transaction information
For cryptocurrency transactions, refer to the CFIT Cryptocurrency page for more important information to provide.
Subject Information
Details
Email Header(s)
Provide if available or applicable.
Specific details on what happened.
This is the person who conducted the crime.
Name, address, telephone, email, website, and IP address.
Account information, transaction date and amount, who received the money.
Total amount of loss to the complainant.
If you are completing the form on behalf of the Complainant, you will provide your contact information separately.
This is the person affected by the crime.
Name, address, telephone, and email.
After A Complaint Is Filed
What happens after I file a complaint?
Trained analysts at the CFIT review and research the complaints, disseminating information to law enforcement and partner agencies, as appropriate.
When will I be updated on the status of the investigation of my complaint?
After you file a complaint with the CFIT, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to law enforcement and partner agencies as appropriate.
You will not hear from the CFIT. The CFIT does not conduct investigations and, therefore, is not able to provide the investigative status of a previously filed complaint. Investigation and prosecution are at the discretion of the receiving agencies.
Will I be informed that my complaint was received successfully?
Once you file a complaint with the CFIT, you will receive the following message at the top of your filed complaint:
Your complaint has been successfully submitted.
Thank you for taking action for yourself and others.
Please save or print a copy of your report before closing this window or navigating away from this page. This is the only time you will be able to retain a copy of your complaint — we will not email or send an electronic version of this file.
Due to the volume of complaints received, the FBI is unable to respond to every complaint. Please be assured that your complaint will be reviewed, and you will be contacted if additional information is needed.
How do I cancel my complaint that I filed?
Once a complaint has been filed with the CFIT, it cannot be canceled. You need to file a new complaint to report new information.
What if I have additional information after I have filed my complaint?
Please file a new complaint, stating that you are filing a new complaint because you have additional information to your previous complaint.
Related Evidence
Should I retain evidence that supports my complaint or send it to the CFIT?
CFIT does not collect evidence regarding complaints, nor do we accept attachments. While you may cut and paste information into your complaint (e.g., email headers), you must be sure to keep all original documents in a secure location. If an agency opens an investigation, they may request the information directly from you.
What type of information would possibly be considered evidence regarding my complaint?
It is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following:
Keep items in a safe location in the event you are requested to provide them for investigative or prosecutive evidence.
Canceled checks
Credit card receipts
Money order receipts
Certified or other mail receipts
Wire receipts
Cryptocurrency receipts
Pre-paid card receipts
Envelopes (if you received items via FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Mail)
Facsimiles
Pamphlets or brochures
Phone bills
Printed or preferably electronic copies of emails (if printed, include full email header information)
Printed or preferably electronic copies of web pages
Hard drive images
PCAP files containing malicious network traffic
Network, host system, and/or security appliance logs
Copies of malware
Chat transcripts and/or telephony logs
Urgent Complaints
Can I file a complaint if I have been threatened over the Internet via email, chat room, website, etc?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local police.
What should I do if I believe my complaint is time sensitive?
After you file a complaint with the CFIT, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to law enforcement and partner agencies, as appropriate. As investigation and prosecution is at the discretion of the receiving agencies, please contact local law enforcement directly if you believe your matter is time sensitive.
Terrorist Tips
Where should I submit information relating to possible terrorist activity?
To submit possible terrorist information, please visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation's website and submit a tip.
Disclosure of Information
What information can the CFIT provide regarding the legitimacy of a company?
The CFIT cannot provide information on a specific company. The CFIT serves as the FBI's central repository for the collection of cyber-enabled crime complaints.
What information can the CFIT provide if I think that a complaint has been filed against myself or company?
The CFIT is not a resource available to the general public for answering questions arising from the complaint information it receives. CFIT does not release information about specific complaints and/or the resolution of those complaints. Therefore, CFIT is unable to provide you with such information.
Spam Emails
Is there an email address I can forward SPAM emails that I receive?
The CFIT does not have an email address established for the receipt of such information. When filing a complaint at the CFIT, be sure to copy and paste the entire email, including the header information, in the complaint.
Media
Who do I contact if I am a member of the media wishing to speak with a member of your press office?
Contact your local FBI office.
Employment
Where can I find out about employment opportunities with the Internet Crime Complaint Center?
For employment opportunities with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), please visit the FBI's website.
Privacy Policy
Please review the CFIT Privacy Policy for additional information.
Additional Resources
Please see our Resources page for additional information and links.