Fake FBI/IC3 Recovery Agents Now Using AI Deepfake Videos to Re-Target Scam Victims
The FBI warns that criminals are impersonating IC3 recovery staff through Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and online forums — places the real FBI never uses. They pose as assigned "recovery agents" with badge photos, official-sounding titles, and fake case numbers. Two upgrades to the 2026 version make it harder to dismiss: AI-generated deepfake videos of senior FBI officials appearing to endorse a recovery process, and spoofed IC3 complaint websites that harvest identity and banking information.
The real IC3 will never contact you first, has no social media presence, and never charges a fee to recover funds. If someone claiming to be from the FBI asks you to pay to get your money back, it is a scam.
What to look for
- Direct messages on Facebook Messenger or Telegram from someone claiming to be an FBI agent or IC3 recovery specialist
- AI-generated video clips of FBI officials endorsing a specific recovery process or portal
- Links to IC3 complaint portals on domains that are not ic3.gov
- Any request to pay a fee, tax, or bond to "unlock" recovered funds
What to do
Stop the conversation immediately. Type ic3.gov yourself into your browser to verify, and report the impersonation at reportfraud.ftc.gov.