To report a cybercrime in the USA including incidents of cyber frauds or scams to ensure that your case is properly documented and investigated by the appropriate authorities., you can follow these steps:
1. Document the Incident:
- Collect all relevant information, including emails, messages, screenshots, and any other evidence that can support your report.
- Note the time, date, and nature of the incident, including any potential suspects or witnesses.
2. Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
The IC3, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), is the primary federal agency for reporting cybercrimes.
- Visit the IC3 Website: IC3.gov
- Filing a Complaint:
- Click on the “File a Complaint” button.
- Select the category of incident (Business email compromise, Ransomware, Elder fraud (Victims 60 and over), or other cybercrime)
- Follow the instructions to complete the complaint form. Be as detailed as possible to assist in the investigation.
- You will need to provide personal information, details about the incident, and any financial losses incurred.
- Submit the Complaint: Once completed, submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email with a complaint ID for reference.
You can also report suspected terrorism, threats to life, or other threats or report information regarding missing or exploited children.
3. Report to Local Law Enforcement
In addition to filing a complaint with the IC3, you should also report the crime to your local law enforcement agency.
- Contact Local Police:
- Visit your local police department or their website to file a report.
- Provide the documentation and evidence collected.
- Request a Copy of the Police Report: Ensure you get a copy of the police report for your records.
4. Additional Reporting Resources
Depending on the nature of the cybercrime, you may need to report it to other federal agencies or organizations:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): For identity theft, report at IdentityTheft.gov
- Department of Justice (DOJ): For broader cybercrime issues (Computer, Internet-related, Or Intellectual Property Crime), visit the DOJ’s Cybercrime Page
- Your Bank or Financial Institutions: If the cybercrime involves financial fraud, immediately notify your bank or credit card company.
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): For reporting significant cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure, contact CISA via their website (cisa.gov) or email.
- Credit Bureaus: In cases of identity theft, notify credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your accounts.
Visit USA.gov’s Crime Reporting Page for additional information and resources on reporting various types of crimes.