Washington, DC

New analysis of fraud reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) highlights the growing financial impact of technology-support, customer-service and government-impersonation scams targeting consumers across the United States.

FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center

Fraudsters increasingly use telephone calls, spoofed caller identification, remote-access software and social-engineering tactics to convince victims that their computers, bank accounts or personal information are at immediate risk. Victims may then be pressured to transfer money, purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency or provide access to financial accounts.

Cross-Border Networks Add Enforcement Challenges

Investigations by U.S. and international authorities have identified organized fraud networks operating across national borders, including call-center operations accused of targeting victims in the United States.

These investigations can be particularly complex because criminal networks may operate in one country while their victims, financial accounts, technology infrastructure and proceeds are located in several others. Law-enforcement agencies therefore rely on international cooperation, financial investigations and digital evidence to identify individuals involved in the schemes.

Common Call Center Fraud Tactics

Technology-support scams often begin with a fraudulent security warning, telephone call or online message claiming that a victim's computer has been compromised. Criminals may then persuade the victim to install remote-access software or provide sensitive information.

Government-impersonation scams use similar tactics. Criminals may falsely claim to represent government agencies and accuse victims of tax violations, identity theft or other crimes. The victim is then instructed to move money or provide financial information to supposedly protect their assets.

Another increasingly sophisticated tactic is the so-called "phantom hacker" scheme, in which multiple criminals pose as technology specialists, bank representatives or government officials. The coordinated approach can increase pressure on victims and make the fraud appear legitimate.

Financial and Personal Consequences

Financial fraud can have consequences beyond the immediate monetary loss. Victims may lose savings accumulated over many years and may also experience significant emotional and family stress.

Older adults can be particularly vulnerable to schemes that exploit fear, urgency and perceived authority. Criminal investigations and consumer-protection reports continue to emphasize the importance of recognizing suspicious communications before transferring money or providing remote access to devices.

Importance of International Cooperation

The international nature of modern fraud networks has increased the importance of cooperation among law-enforcement agencies, financial institutions, technology companies and telecommunications providers.

Investigators can use transaction records, telecommunications data, digital evidence and information shared across jurisdictions to identify fraud infrastructure and trace proceeds.

Continued cooperation can also help authorities disrupt fraudulent call centers and prevent criminals from moving operations when individual locations are identified.

Protecting Consumers

Consumers can reduce their exposure to fraud by independently verifying unexpected calls and messages, avoiding remote access requests from unknown individuals and contacting banks or government agencies through officially published contact information.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted should preserve relevant messages, telephone numbers, payment records and other evidence and report the incident through the appropriate law-enforcement or consumer-protection channel.

The IC3 provides a reporting mechanism for internet-related criminal activity and uses submitted information to support investigations and identify broader cybercrime trends.

As fraud networks continue to adapt their methods and operate across borders, coordinated enforcement and greater consumer awareness remain important tools for reducing financial losses and protecting vulnerable consumers.

Media Contact Details

IC3 Team

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

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