TalkScams Team — educational discussion
Beware of imposters pretending to recover money through FBI IC3 — warning signs and safety checks
TalkScams Team discussion starter — an educational scam scenario, not a victim account.
What is the scam pattern?
The FBI warns that scammers pose as IC3 personnel or recovery agents to target people who have already lost money, using fake websites and convincing materials.
Warning signs to recognize
1. Someone claiming to be an investigator contacts you unexpectedly for a recovery fee
2. A website resembles an official reporting site but has a different domain
3. An alleged recovery agent asks for more personal or financial information
How to check or protect yourself
1. Do not pay upfront fees to purported recovery agents
2. Use ic3.gov directly to verify the reporting process
3. Preserve messages and report the impersonation
Discuss with the community
Which independent checks would you make before trusting a trading platform or recovery service?
Original government advisory: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2026/PSA260720