Government / law-enforcement impersonationPhoneEmailSocial mediaTelegramFacebook MessengerFake websites
Fake FBI / IC3 fund-recovery agents
Last updated
Also known as: IC3 impersonation, FBI recovery fee scam, deepfake FBI video
What it looks like
After a prior scam loss, someone claiming to be FBI/IC3 staff (sometimes via AI deepfake video or fake social profiles) says they recovered your money or can update your IC3 complaint — then asks for more personal data or fees.
Who it targets
People who already lost money to a scam and reported (or planned to report) to IC3.
Red flags
- IC3 or FBI contacting you by phone, email, social media, Telegram, or chat apps
- Offers to recover lost funds for a fee
- Links that are not the real www.ic3.gov
- AI-generated videos of FBI personnel promoting a complaint site
What to do if you clicked, paid, or replied
- Know that IC3 does not contact victims via social media, Telegram, phone apps, or public forums
- Type www.ic3.gov directly into the browser; verify the URL ends in .gov
- Never pay anyone claiming to recover scam losses for IC3/FBI
- Report impersonation at the real IC3 site
Still circulating?
IC3 updated PSA in July 2026 describing ongoing re-victimization schemes including AI deepfakes.
Primary source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · 2026-07-20
Educational summary only. Verify details on the source page. Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or ic3.gov.