Scammers Impersonate FBI on Social Media, Prey on Crime Victims
Scammers Impersonate FBI on Social Media, Prey on Crime Victims
The bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has updated an earlier warning about scammers impersonating the agency online. Fraudsters continue to use this scheme to deceive and revictimize individuals. Real FBI agents won’t slide into your DMs and offer to help you recover stolen funds. 🚨
According to IC3, there are two different schemes being used to target cybercrime victims:
- Fraudulent Social Media Profiles: Scammers create fake profiles impersonating FBI personnel or IC3. They may infiltrate online groups for fraud victims or contact victims directly while claiming to represent the FBI or the complaint center.
- AI-Generated Videos: Scammers are creating AI-generated videos on social media depicting senior FBI officials and directing users to a spoofed IC3 website to report cybercrimes. These scammers collect information and use it to contact victims for further fraud. 🎥
The IC3 warns that none of these social media profiles or AI-generated videos should be believed. The IC3 does not have a social media presence and does not investigate crimes or offer to recover lost funds through social media. Any profiles claiming to represent IC3 are fraudulent and attempting to steal your personal or financial information.
If you fall victim to a cybercrime or online scam, don’t post about it on social media - that could invite someone with bad intentions to seek you out.