Free guide

How to report a crypto scam to the FBI's IC3

IC3 is where the FBI collects reports of online fraud. Filing is free and takes one sitting. Here's what to enter in each part of the form.

Before you start

Use a computer, not a phone. The official filing guide recommends it.
Finish in one sitting. The form can't be saved partway.
Have your story written out first, so nothing is lost if something goes wrong.
Keep your screenshots. IC3 doesn't accept uploads, but investigators may ask later.

Our free IC3 summary puts your answers in the same order as the form, ready to copy.

Go to www.ic3.gov, choose File a Complaint, and accept the terms.

1

Who is filing Required

Choose Yes if the money was yours, or No if you're filing for someone else.
2

Your contact details Required

Address, phone and email. Type the phone as digits only, like 8175550123.
3

Money you lost Total required

Enter the total as a plain number, like 18400. You can add up to 10 transfers. If you have more, enter the largest 10 and list the rest in step 6.
4

About the scammer Optional

Names, numbers, emails, websites and handles they used.
5

What happened Required

A short account, up to 3,500 characters. Focus on how they reached you, what they promised, and how you paid.
6

Other information Optional

Paste your wallet addresses and transaction hashes here.
7

Sign and submit Required

Type your name as your signature and submit.

Save the confirmation page before you close it. It shows your submission ID, and you can't get it back later.

What happens next with IC3

A filed complaint can't be edited. To add information, file a new complaint and say it updates your earlier one.
IC3 shares complaints with law enforcement but doesn't investigate cases itself or give status updates. You may not hear back unless an agency needs more from you.

Scam victims are often targeted again by fake recovery services. Learn the warning signs.

Sources

Last checked against official guidance: October 2026. Not affiliated with the FBI or IC3.