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The FBI says reports sent to its Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) help investigators track cybercrime and spot new threats.
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The agency confirms that victims living outside the United States can also file complaints.
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Several X users questioned the reporting process, citing unanswered complaints and unequal treatment.
The FBI is asking victims of online fraud to speak up and file reports. The agency says each complaint helps investigators fight cybercrime. FBI New York shared the message on X, and many users replied. Some asked about access, while others shared unhappy experiences.
FBI Asks Scam Victims to Report Cybercrime
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reminding internet users that reporting cybercrime matters. Reports help the agency tackle online fraud, scams, and other digital offences. FBI New York (@NewYorkFBI) shared the reminder in a recent post on X. It encouraged victims to file their cases with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
The agency explained how the system works. IC3 combines each report with other intelligence. Investigators then use that information to examine crimes, identify new threats, and track criminal activity. The FBI added that quick reporting can sometimes help officials freeze money stolen through online fraud.
The reminder arrives as scams keep causing heavy financial damage. The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows the scale of the problem. IC3 received 1,008,597 complaints during the year. Victims reported losses of about $20.877 billion. The FBI has also taken action against large-scale online fraud, blocking more than $1 billion in funds linked to cyber scams as reported losses continue to rise.
The report also describes the IC3 Recovery Asset Team. This team works with financial institutions and FBI field offices. Together, they try to freeze money moved through fraudulent transactions. The 2025 numbers show the team’s results. It handled 3,900 incidents involving about $1.16 billion in attempted theft. It helped freeze more than $679 million. The report lists its success rate at 58%.
These figures explain why the FBI keeps urging victims to report. The agency does not want people to stay silent after cybercriminals take their money.
Foreign Victims Ask If they Can File Complaints
The FBI’s post also drew questions from users outside the United States. They wanted to know if foreign victims can use the reporting system. Emma Holdsworth (@ESzczambur93581) asked if people can file complaints without an American address.
The user suggested that this rule could stop victims in other countries from reporting. The user also pointed out that criminals often operate across international borders. The FBI’s official IC3 frequently asked questions page answers this clearly. It says anyone affected by cyber-enabled crime can file a complaint. That includes citizens of other countries. It also covers people who report suspects living abroad.
The 2025 report confirms the global reach of the platform. IC3 received complaints from more than 200 countries. Those complaints accounted for almost $1.6 billion in reported losses. Nigeria alone recorded 1,219 complaints. That placed the country among the 20 with the most international complainants. The FBI’s reminder therefore applies to victims in many countries, not only the United States.
X Users Share Frustration Over Unanswered Reports
Reactions on X also showed that some users feel let down by law enforcement. Despite the FBI’s appeal, several people described disappointing experiences when they sought help. RawGaming420 (@HarmanRoss44215) voiced frustration over what the user called unequal treatment in the justice system. The user suggested that ordinary people without money struggle to get proper help.
Ratan Moral (@RatanMoral) made a different complaint. The user claimed to have sent an email more than a year ago. The user then asked the public for someone to review the matter.
Celal Kemal Balkar (@balkar_1977) replied in Turkish and supported the FBI’s call. The user said complaints help authorities investigate criminal networks. They also help officials monitor fraud patterns. The user added that reports can lead to the recovery of stolen funds.
Together, the replies show mixed views on the system. Some users back the idea of reporting, while others question whether anyone responds. A report does not guarantee an investigation or a personal reply. The IC3 explains that trained analysts review every submission. They forward relevant information to law enforcement and partner agencies when appropriate.
The center also warns about its limits. It cannot give updates on individual investigations. It also cannot respond to every complainant. Victims who lost money should act fast, the FBI says. The agency recommends contacting their financial institution immediately. They should then submit a detailed report through IC3. The FBI stresses that prompt action can improve the chances of stopping fraudulent transfers.
