How to File a Complaint with the FBI

To file a complaint with the FBI, use the FBI tip form for suspected federal crimes or threats and the Internet Crime Complaint Center for internet-enabled crime. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact local police instead of waiting for an online complaint to be reviewed.

People searching for “FBI file a complaint” or “FBI file complaint” may see several government forms. Choosing the channel that matches the incident helps route the information appropriately.

Which FBI reporting channel should I use?

The FBI uses different official channels for different kinds of information. A complaint is information submitted by a person who believes a crime or harmful incident occurred; a tip may also come from a witness or someone reporting suspicious activity.

• Use the FBI electronic tip form to report a threat, possible terrorism, a suspected federal crime, or relevant information about a person or event.
• Use the Internet Crime Complaint Center, commonly called IC3, for an online scam, internet fraud, phishing, ransomware, hacking, or another cyber-enabled crime.
• Contact an FBI field office when the matter may require direct discussion with the office serving the area where the incident occurred.
• Contact local law enforcement for crimes or urgent public-safety matters that need a local response.
• Call 911 when someone faces immediate danger or an emergency response is needed.

You do not need to decide whether prosecutors could prove a federal offense. Describe the facts accurately and choose the closest available category without guessing about details you do not know.

How do I file an FBI complaint online?

1. Open the company’s official website and find the option to submit a tip or report a threat.
2. Read the notices explaining the purpose of the electronic tip form and how submitted information may be used.
3. Select the category that most closely matches the suspected crime, threat, or other information. If the matter is internet-enabled fraud or cybercrime, follow the direction to IC3 instead.
4. Enter the requested details about the incident, people involved, dates, locations, and how you learned the information.
5. Add accurate contact information if you want investigators to be able to reach you. Follow the form’s instructions if you prefer not to identify yourself.
6. Review the report for incorrect dates, misspelled names, or missing facts. Do not exaggerate, speculate, or state assumptions as facts.
7. Read the required acknowledgment, complete any verification shown, and select the submission button once.
8. Keep any confirmation or submission information displayed after filing. Do not assume the report failed merely because the FBI does not send a personal response.

What information should I prepare before filing?

Gather the facts before opening the FBI form so the report is clear and internally consistent. Useful information can include:

• Full names, aliases, usernames, email addresses, and other known contact details for the people involved.
• Dates, approximate times, physical locations, and the order in which events happened.
• A short factual description of what occurred, what you personally observed, and what someone else told you.
• Names and contact information for witnesses or other affected people.
• Transaction dates, account identifiers, payment records, receipts, and financial institution information when relevant.
• Messages, complete email headers, chat records, screenshots, call logs, website or social-media account names, and technical records.
• Report numbers and agency names if the incident was already reported elsewhere.

Preserve original records in a secure place. Do not alter messages, crop away useful context, or send original evidence unless an authorized agency asks for it through an official process.

When should I report internet crime and fraud to IC3?

Submit an IC3 complaint when internet technology was used to carry out or assist the suspected crime. Examples include online scams, account takeovers, phishing, ransomware, data breaches, computer intrusions, and fraudulent communications.

The IC3 form asks who is filing, who was affected, whether a financial transaction occurred, information about the suspected person or organization, and a description of the incident. It also accepts relevant technical details in text fields. IC3 does not accept evidence as attachments, so retain original documents and electronic records securely.

Possible terrorist activity belongs on the FBI tip form even when information about it appeared online. If an online threat creates immediate danger, contact 911 or local police first.

How do I contact an FBI field office?

Open the company’s official website, choose Contact Us, and use the Field Offices directory to locate the office responsible for the relevant geographic area. Use only the contact information shown in the official directory.

Contacting a field office may be appropriate when you need to report a suspected federal crime directly, provide information connected to that area, or ask which official reporting channel fits the matter. A field office may direct you to the electronic tip form, IC3, or another appropriate agency.

What should I do in an emergency or immediate danger?

The FBI complaint and IC3 forms are not emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact local police immediately.

For a time-sensitive situation that does not require emergency assistance, contact the appropriate law-enforcement agency directly. An online submission should not replace an immediate request for help.

What happens after I submit an FBI complaint?

FBI tip information is reviewed and routed as appropriate, but submission does not guarantee an investigation, contact, or particular outcome. The FBI may contact you if additional information is needed.

After an IC3 complaint is accepted, the confirmation page states that it was successfully submitted. Save or print the report before leaving that page because IC3 says it does not email or send an electronic copy. IC3 analysts review complaints and may forward information to law-enforcement or partner agencies as appropriate.

IC3 does not provide investigation-status updates and does not contact every filer. Any investigation or prosecution is decided by the agency receiving the information. Keep the submitted copy, any displayed reference information, and the original supporting records in a secure place.