IC3 impersonation scams

How Criminals Are Exploiting Trust in the FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a serious warning about a growing scam in which fraudsters are impersonating FBI employees—specifically representatives of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of this impersonation scheme, which aims to re-target victims who have already suffered financial loss from prior scams.

How the Scam Works

These scams are carefully orchestrated to appear legitimate. Scammers reach out to victims in a variety of ways:

• Email or phone calls
• Social media messages
• Online forums or fraud support groups

In most cases, the fraudster claims they are from the IC3 and have recovered your previously lost funds—a tactic designed to gain your trust and exploit your hope for financial restitution. Unfortunately, it’s all a ruse designed to revictimize people who have already been scammed.

A Common Variation

One known version of this scam involves female profiles on social media joining support groups for scam victims. These fake personas present themselves as fellow fraud survivors and then refer victims to a male figure named "Jaime Quin"—a supposed “Chief Director” of the IC3—who communicates via the Telegram app.

“Quin” claims that the FBI has successfully recovered the victim’s funds. But in reality, he is a scammer using that story to extract more personal and financial information, sometimes even asking for fees or sensitive data under the pretense of “processing” the refund.

Warning Signs of the IC3 Impersonation Scam

• Unsolicited contact from someone claiming to be from the FBI or IC3
• Claims of recovered funds tied to a previous fraud report
• Request for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to complete the recovery
• Redirection to non-government communication platforms (e.g., Telegram, WhatsApp)
• High-pressure tactics or emotional manipulation, especially appeals to hope or fear

How to Protect Yourself

• The IC3 never initiates contact via email, phone, social media, or messaging apps.
• Never share personal, financial, or sensitive information with anyone you've only communicated with online or over the phone.
• The IC3 will never ask for money to assist in fund recovery.
• Be skeptical of anyone claiming to recover your lost money—especially if they contact you first.
• Avoid engaging on unofficial platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp if the person claims to represent a government agency.

What To Do If You’re Targeted

If you believe you’ve been approached by someone impersonating the IC3 or FBI, report it immediately through the official IC3 website: www.ic3.gov.

In your report, include:

• Name, alias, or organization of the scammer
• Communication methods used: emails, phone numbers, websites, social media
• Details of any transactions: payment method, date, amount, and receiving information
• A summary of your interaction: how they contacted you, what they claimed, and what you shared

If you're aged 60 or older and need help filing your report, you can contact the Department of Justice Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

Final Thoughts

Scammers know that victims of fraud are emotionally vulnerable—and that hope for recovery can cloud judgment. Don’t let them exploit your trust in law enforcement. Only trust official government websites and direct communications from verified sources. When in doubt, pause, verify, and report.