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Law Enforcement Jurisdictions:

US City, Town, and County  US State  US Federal  Foreign & International  Internet

Internet Jurisdictions:

Internet Fraud Complaint Center  Internet Better Business Bureau

National Fraud Information Center   SEC Internet Enforcement Program

Jurisdictions on the Internet overlap considerably, meaning that more than one agency covers the same types of fraud.

Here are some examples of Internet fraud categories:

In short, the same criminal activity found on the street, but committed over the Internet.

Internet Fraud Complaint Center:

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center*, specializing in fraud committed on the Internet. 

When to contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center

If you have knowledge, evidence, or suspicion of fraudulent activity being perpetrated on the Internet.

How to contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center

Before filing a complaint with this agency, be sure you have the following information at the ready since the complaint form allows a limited time for each section:

1. Personal Information: 2 - 4 minutes

2. Type of Fraud

3. Perpetrator Information: 1 - 3 minutes

4. Contact Information: 2 - 5 minutes

You will find and online complaint form at http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/cf1.asp

* The National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) is a nonprofit organization that provides a nationwide support system for law enforcement and regulatory agencies involved in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of economic and high-tech crime.

Internet Better Business Bureau (BBBOnline):

The BBB specializes in consumer complaints.  It is best to review their complaint policies at http://www.bbbonline.org/consumer/complaint.asp 

National Fraud Information Center:

This agency covers a wide variety of frauds.  It is best to review their complaint policies at http://www.fraud.org/info/contactnfic.htm 

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Internet Enforcement Program:

The SEC specializes in investment fraud.  It is best to review their complaint policies at http://www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml 

No matter which agency you contact, follow the best policy when addressing law enforcement with suspicion or knowledge of a crime:

If you are calling in a tip that you suspect someone of a violation, before you call write down what you want to say, including valid reasons for your suspicions. 

If you are calling in with direct, personal knowledge and/or and experience, have your long narrative or short narrative and evidence package ready.

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