The digitization of payments and the penetration of the internet have made financial transactions easier and more transparent, but they have also increased our vulnerability to cybercrime.
Cybercriminals are constantly developing new and sophisticated methods to steal our money and personal information. One of the biggest challenges facing victims of cybercrime is finding timely support for resolution. Many people are unaware of their rights or where to turn for help.
This article aims to increase awareness about cybercrime and provide guidance on how to file a complaint and get justice as a victim.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is any criminal activity that targets a computer, computer network, or digital/networked device.
The primary motive for cybercrime is financial gain. That said, cyber crime can also involve malicious intentions beyond monetary interests.
Types of Cybercrime
Cybercrime can come in different forms. Let’s quickly review some of them.
Identity theft
You’re a victim of identity theft when someone steals your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, and uses it to commit fraud.
Fraud
Fraud is when someone deceives you into giving them money or personal information. This is typically executed through online scams, such as phishing emails or fake websites, or through offline scams, such as phone calls or door-to-door visits.
Data breaches
A data breach occurs when a company’s computer systems are hacked and sensitive data, such as customer information or financial records, is stolen. More often than not, data breaches have a devastating impact on victims — as their personal information may be used to commit fraud or identity theft.
Ransomware attacks
Malware is malicious software that can damage your computer or steal your data. There are many different types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, and spyware. Don’t let malware hold your computer hostage. Reach out to TickTockTech for top-notch virus removal services.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them. Ransomware attacks can be very costly for businesses and individuals alike.
Phishing attacks
A phishing attack is an attempt to trick you into revealing your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers. For this to work, the bad guy usually sends emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate company, such as a bank or credit card company.
How does a Cybercrime Complaint Work?
If you are a victim of cybercrime, the FBI recommends filing a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) as soon as possible. Rapid reporting can also help support the recovery of lost funds.
The IC3 will then use the information you’ve provided in your report for investigative and intelligence purposes.
Specifically, the center’s trained analysts examine and investigate the complaints before providing information to national, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory organizations for appropriate criminal, civil, or administrative action.
It’s important to note that the IC3 itself doesn’t carry out investigations, and as a result, it cannot provide updates on the investigative progress of a complaint that has been filed. The decision to investigate and prosecute lies with the agencies that receive the complaints.
The IC3’s ability to handle your complaint effectively depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information you provide. The complaint form typically requires the following information:
- Victim’s details, including name, address, telephone number, and email. If you are the victim, this would be your information. If you are submitting a complaint on behalf of someone else, provide their details.
- Information related to the financial transaction, such as account information, transaction date, amount, and details about the recipient of the funds.
- Details about the subject of the complaint, including their name, address, telephone number, email, website, and IP address. The subject is the person or entity believed to be involved in the internet crime.
- Specific information about how you were victimized. Explain the circumstances and details of the incident.
- Email header(s) if relevant to your complaint.
- Any other pertinent information that you believe is necessary to support your complaint.
Remember that the more thorough and accurate the information you provide in your complaint, the better the IC3 can assess and address your case.
Steps on How to File a Complaint for Cybercrime
Follow these step-by-step instructions to file your cybercrime complaint.
Step#1: Stay safe and secure
Before you do anything, ensure your safety and security.
If you suspect you’re a victim of cybercrime, take steps to protect your personal information and devices. Change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and update your antivirus and anti-malware software.
Step#2: Document evidence
Gather and document as much evidence as possible. The IC3 recognizes all of the following as evidence:
- Canceled checks
- Credit card receipts
- Money order receipts
- Certified or other mail receipts
- Wire receipts
- Virtual currency receipts
- Pre-paid card receipts
- Envelopes (if items were received via FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Mail)
- Facsimiles
- Pamphlets or brochures
- Phone bills
- Printed or preferably electronic copies of emails (if printed, ensure it includes the full email header information)
- Printed or preferably electronic copies of web pages
- Hard drive images
- PCAP files containing malicious network traffic
- Network, host system, and/or security appliance logs
- Copies of malware
- Chat transcripts and/or telephony logs
This list is by no means exhaustive. Anything that can help prove your case qualifies as evidence. Make sure to preserve the evidence in a secure location.
Step#3: Visit the IC3 complaint portal
On your mobile device, paste the IC3 website address into your web browser.
Step#4: Identify the crime and file a complaint
On the IC3 cybercrime complaint page, you will typically find a list of cybercrime categories or groups to choose from.
To move forward with filing a complaint, you will need to select the specific cybercrime category that best corresponds to your particular situation or the type of cybercrime you have experienced.
Step#5: Complete the process
After selecting a complaint type, a pop-up window will appear, providing you with a list of items or information you will need to file your complaint. It’s important to take note of the items on this list.
Click the “Proceed” button, and you will be redirected to the IC3’s terms and conditions page.
Once you have reviewed and accepted the terms and conditions, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the complaint form. This will involve providing the necessary details and evidence related to your complaint.
Step#6: Save a copy of your complaint form
Upon filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), you will typically receive the following message at the top of your submitted complaint:
“Thank you for submitting your complaint to the IC3. Please save or print a copy for your records. This is the only time you will have to make a copy of your complaint.”
Step#7: Follow up
Now that you’ve reported the crime, it is important to follow up with the authorities. Make sure to keep track of your case number and check in periodically for updates.
Contact Your Local FBI Field Office
If you or your organization falls victim to a network intrusion, data breach, or ransomware attack, or if you believe that your complaint is time-sensitive, it is imperative to take immediate action.
In such cases, you should promptly contact your nearest FBI field office or report the incident at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI can assist/guide and potentially initiate an investigation to address the cybercrime and mitigate its impact.
