ElderWeb

Many of the fraud schemes already present in the "real" world can now be found on the Internet - fraudulent investment offerings, multi-level marketing schemes and failure-to-render scams (a favorite of unprincipled participants of online auctions). The crucial difference in fraud committed over the Internet is that the perpetrator can vanish, pulling down a Web site in seconds, leaving consumers wondering who or where to turn to for help.

In response to this growing concern, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) joined forces in a unique partnership to aid and protect consumers in this largely unregulated environment. The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) is the result of that venture. This Web site provides a mechanism for victims of Internet fraud to report fraud on-line-where it occurred-to the appropriate law enforcement and regulatory authorities.

If you believe you are a victim of Internet fraud, you can use this web site to report the incident. It is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint, including canceled checks, credit card receipts, phone bills, faxes, pamphlets or brochures, mailing envelopes, certified or other mail receipts, a printed copy of a Web site, chat room, or newsgroup text, or similar items. Keep items in a safe location until you are requested to provide them for investigative or prosecutive evidence. If requested to provide evidence, send copies only, not originals.