Beware: Scammers Pretend to Be FBI Helpers to Steal More Money

The internet is full of tricks. One of the latest is a sneaky scheme where fraudsters pose as FBI agents. They target people who have already been scammed. Their goal? To trick them into giving up even more money and personal details. This scam is not new, but it is making a comeback. From December 2023 to February 2025, over 100 people reported falling for this trick. These scammers are smart. They use many ways to contact their victims. They might call, send an email, or message on social media. They even post on forums. They pretend to be from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3. They say they can help victims get their money back. But here is the catch: they ask for payment or personal information. Once they have it, they vanish, leaving the victim scammed again. Social media is a big part of how this scam works. Scammers create fake profiles and join groups for fraud victims. They suggest that members contact a "Chief Director" of IC3 via Telegram. This is a clever way to trick more people into giving up their information. So, how can you stay safe? First, be on guard. If you have been scammed, you are a target for this trick. Be careful of anyone who offers to help you get your money back. Remember, real IC3 employees will not contact you via phone, email, social media, apps, or forums. They will not ask for payment to recover your money. If someone claims to be from the government, do not share sensitive information. Do not send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you do not know. If you think you have been scammed, report it to the real IC3 at www. ic3. gov. This scam shows that fraudsters are always finding new ways to trick people. It is important to stay informed and be careful. Do not let them fool you twice. Always think critically and verify the source before sharing any information or money.