The FBI is warning the public about malicious actors who are creating fake websites that mimic the official Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3, which launched in 2000, serves as a central hub for people to report various cybercrimes, including identity theft, hacking, and online scams. These fraudulent sites are designed to deceive unsuspecting individuals who are trying to file a report.
The FBI explains that these spoofed websites are used to steal personal information and facilitate monetary fraud. The criminals behind these scams often use slight variations in spelling or different top-level domains, such as .com instead of the legitimate .gov, to trick users. This tactic is especially effective for people who are searching for the official IC3 site to submit a complaint. Once on the fake site, users may be prompted to enter sensitive data, which can then be stolen.
According to the FBI, these threat actors create spoofed sites with the goal of harvesting personally identifiable information (PII). This can include everything from a user’s name and address to their phone number, email address, and even banking information. The Bureau emphasizes that the IC3 will never ask for payment to recover lost funds or refer a user to a company that requires payment for such a service. This is a key indicator that a site is not legitimate.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, the FBI recommends that users always type the official address, www.ic3.gov, directly into their browser’s address bar. It’s also crucial to avoid clicking on sponsored results that appear in search engines, as these can often lead to malicious sites. The FBI also advises users to verify that the website they are visiting ends in .gov, which signifies it is a legitimate government site.
Finally, the FBI advises users to be wary of any URLs that look suspicious or differ from the official IC3 site. They should not click on links with unusual graphics or artifacts and should never share sensitive information unless they are absolutely certain the website is legitimate. The Bureau also reminds the public that the IC3 does not use social media and encourages anyone who encounters a suspicious site to report the incident.
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