Frequently Asked Questions

  • Prior To Filing A Complaint
  • After A Complaint Is Filed
  • Related Evidence
  • Urgent Complaints
  • Terrorist Tips
  • Disclosure of Information
  • Spam Emails
  • Media
  • Employment

Prior To Filing A Complaint

Q: Who should file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (I3C)?

You may file a complaint with the I3C if you believe you have been the victim of an Internet crime or if you want to file on behalf of another person you believe has been such a victim.

Q: What details will I be asked to include in my complaint?

The I3C’s ability to process your complaint will be based upon the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. The following is the type of information we ask for in the complaint form:

  • Victim’s name, address, telephone, and email
    • This will be your information if you are the victim, or another person if you are filing on behalf of a third party
  • Financial transaction information (e.g., account information, transaction date and amount, who received the money)
  • Subject’s name, address, telephone, email, website, and IP address
    • The subject is the person/entity allegedly committing the Internet crime
  • Specific details on how you were victimized
  • Email header(s)
  • Any other relevant information you believe is necessary to support your complaint

Q: How does the I3C define Internet crime?

Internet crime includes any illegal activity involving one or more components of the Internet, such as websites, chat rooms, and/or email. Internet crime involves the use of the Internet to communicate false or fraudulent representations to consumers. These crimes may include, but are not limited to, advance-fee schemes, non-delivery of goods or services, computer hacking, or employment/business opportunity schemes.

Q: Can I file a complaint if I am a citizen of an African country but have been victimized by an individual or company outside my country of residence?

If either the victim or the alleged subject of the Internet crime is located within Africa, you may file a complaint with the I3C

Q: Can I file a complaint if I have been victimized by an individual or company in Africa, but I am not a citizen of any African State?

Yes, if either you or the alleged subject of the Internet crime is located within Africa, regardless of citizenship, you may file a complaint with the I3C.

After A Complaint Is Filed

Q: What happens after I file a complaint?

Trained analysts at the I3C review and research the complaints, disseminating information to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for criminal, civil, or administrative action, as appropriate.

Q: When will I be updated on the status of the investigation of my complaint?

After you file a complaint with the I3C, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, as appropriate. The I3C does not conduct investigations and, therefore, is not able to provide the investigative status of a previously filed complaint. Investigation and prosecution is at the discretion of the receiving agencies.

Q: Will I be informed that my complaint was received successfully?

Once you file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (I3C), you will receive the following message at the top of your filed complaint:

Thank you for submitting your complaint to the I3C. Please save or print a copy for your records. This is the only time you will have to make a copy of your complaint.

Q: How do I cancel my complaint that I filed?

Once a complaint has been filed with the I3C, it cannot be cancelled.

Related Evidence

Q: Should I retain evidence that supports my complaint or send it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (I3C)?

I3C does not collect evidence regarding complaints. While you may cut and paste information into your complaint (e.g., email headers), you must be sure to keep all original documents in a secure location. In the event that a law enforcement or regulatory agency opens an investigation, they may request the information directly from you.

Q: What type of information would possibly be considered evidence in regard to my complaint?

It is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Cancelled cheques
  • Credit card receipts
  • Money order receipts
  • Certified or other mail receipts
  • Wire receipts
  • Virtual currency receipts
  • Pre-paid card receipts
  • Envelopes (if you received items via FedEx, DHL, UPS, or local/national courier services)
  • Facsimiles
  • Pamphlets or brochures
  • Phone bills
  • Printed or preferably electronic copies of emails (if printed, include 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

Keep items in a safe location in the event you are requested to provide them for investigative or prosecutive evidence.

Urgent Complaints

Q: : Can I file a complaint if I have been threatened over the Internet via email, chat room, website, etc?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call your local police.

Q:What should I do if I believe my complaint is time sensitive?

After you file a complaint with the I3C, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, as appropriate. As investigation and prosecution is at the discretion of the receiving agencies, please contact local law enforcement directly if you believe your matter is time sensitive.

Terrorist Tips

Q: Where should I submit information relating to possible terrorist activity?

To submit possible terrorist information, please visit your local Police website and submit a tip.

Disclosure of Information

Q: What information can the Internet Crime Complaint Center provide regarding the legitimacy of a company?

The I3C cannot provide information on a specific company. The I3C serves as the Cyber Aware Africa’s central repository for the collection of Internet crime complaints.

Q: What information can the Internet Crime Complaint Center (I3C) provide if I think that a complaint has been filed against myself or company?

The I3C is not a resource available to the general public for answering questions arising from the complaint information it receives. I3C does not release information about specific complaints and/or the resolution of those complaints. Therefore, I3C is unable to provide you with such information.

Spam Emails

Q: Is there an email address I can forward SPAM emails that I receive?

The I3C does not have an email address established for the receipt of such information. When filing a complaint at the I3C, be sure to copy and paste the entire email, including the header information, in the complaint.

Media

Q: Who do I contact if I am a member of the media wishing to speak with a member of your press office?

Contact your local police office for cybercrime related complaints and our care team for matters related to our causes.

Employment

Q: Where can I find out about employment opportunities with the Internet Crime Complaint Center?

For employment opportunities with the Cyber Aware Africa, please visit Cyber Aware Africa’s website.