Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the FBI Cyber Crime Division, our investigation process, fund recovery, and how we combat cyber crimes and financial fraud.

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Common Questions

The FBI Cyber Crime Division is a specialized unit within the Federal Bureau of Investigation dedicated to combating cyber crimes, including hacking, online fraud, cryptocurrency scams, identity theft, and other digital offenses. Our team consists of expert investigators, forensic analysts, and legal professionals who work together to investigate cyber crimes, recover stolen assets, and bring perpetrators to justice.

Legitimate FBI representatives will:

Always use official FBI email addresses ending with @fbi.gov
Provide verifiable credentials and identification upon request
Never demand immediate payment or sensitive financial information upfront
Communicate through official channels rather than personal messaging apps
Have a physical office location you can verify

If you're unsure, contact the FBI directly through our official website or hotline to verify any communication you've received.

Recovery success depends on several factors:

Timeliness of reporting: The sooner you report, the higher the chances
Type of scam: Some methods are easier to trace than others
Amount of information provided: Detailed information improves success rates
Jurisdiction: International cases may be more complex
Cooperation with investigation: Your ongoing assistance is crucial

While we can't guarantee recovery in every case, our success rate is approximately 89% for cases reported within the first 72 hours with adequate documentation.

The duration varies significantly based on case complexity:

Simple cases: 2-4 weeks (single jurisdiction, clear evidence)
Moderate complexity: 1-3 months (multiple transactions, domestic investigation)
Complex cases: 3-9 months (international, multiple jurisdictions, sophisticated methods)
Highly complex: 9+ months (organized crime, cryptocurrency mixing, offshore accounts)

We provide regular updates throughout the process and work as efficiently as possible to recover your assets.

To help us investigate effectively, please provide as much of the following as possible:

Your complete contact information
Detailed description of the incident
Date and time the crime occurred
Financial transaction details (account numbers, amounts, dates)
Cryptocurrency addresses and transaction IDs if applicable
Email addresses, phone numbers, or websites used by the perpetrators
Screenshots or copies of relevant communications
Any other evidence you may have collected

Our online reporting form will guide you through providing all necessary information.

If your case leads to prosecution, you may be asked to provide testimony. However:

Many cases are resolved without requiring victim testimony
We provide support and preparation if you do need to testify
Alternative arrangements can sometimes be made (written statements, video testimony)
Your safety and privacy are always prioritized throughout the process

Our victim assistance program provides support throughout the legal process, and we work to make testimony as comfortable as possible for victims of cyber crime.

You should report any significant cyber crime, including:

Financial fraud and scams involving significant amounts
Business email compromise (BEC) schemes
Cryptocurrency and investment fraud
Ransomware attacks
Data breaches affecting multiple individuals
Identity theft with substantial financial impact
Cyber attacks against critical infrastructure
Online crimes involving children
Nation-state sponsored cyber activities

When in doubt, it's better to report. Our team will assess whether the case falls under FBI jurisdiction.

While we accept anonymous tips, providing your contact information significantly helps our investigation:

Anonymous tips can be submitted through our tip line or online portal
We cannot follow up for additional information with anonymous reports
Providing contact information allows us to update you on the case status
Your personal information is protected and kept confidential
For fund recovery cases, we must have your contact information to return assets

We understand concerns about privacy and security, and we have strict protocols to protect the identity of all individuals who report cyber crimes.

No, the FBI does not charge individuals or organizations for cyber crime investigation services. Our services are funded by taxpayer dollars and provided free of charge to victims of cyber crimes.

Be wary of anyone claiming to be from the FBI who requests payment for investigation services, as this is a common scam. Legitimate FBI services are always free.

Recovered funds are handled through a secure, transparent process:

Funds are held in secure government accounts during the investigation
Once legally cleared, funds are returned to their rightful owners
We provide detailed documentation of the recovery and return process
In cases with multiple victims, distribution is handled fairly based on proven losses
The entire process is overseen by the appropriate legal authorities

You will be kept informed throughout the process and will need to provide instructions for how you would like to receive returned funds.

Still Have Questions?

Our support team is ready to help answer any additional questions you may have about cyber crimes, investigations, or the recovery process.

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