Privacy Policy
Last Updated: November 15, 2025
Important Notice
This Privacy Policy applies to the FBI Online Scam Reporting System. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this policy.
Table of Contents
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
When you use our services, we may collect the following personal information:
- Identity Information: Name, date of birth, Social Security number (when required for investigation)
- Contact Information: Email address, phone number, mailing address
- Financial Information: Bank account details, credit card information, transaction records related to reported fraud
- Documentation: Photos, documents, screenshots, and other evidence related to your case
- Communication Records: Messages, emails, and other communications with our team
Automatically Collected Information
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, click patterns, access times
- Location Data: General location information based on IP address
- Security Logs: Login attempts, security events, system access logs
Third-Party Information
We may receive information from:
- Financial institutions and payment processors
- Other law enforcement agencies
- Public records and databases
- Victim reports and witness statements
2. How We Use Your Information
Investigation Purposes
- Conduct fraud investigations
- Verify reported incidents
- Track and recover stolen assets
- Build criminal cases
- Identify perpetrators and networks
Service Delivery
- Process your reports and claims
- Provide case updates and notifications
- Offer victim support services
- Facilitate asset recovery
- Maintain system security
Legal Obligations
We use your information to:
- Comply with federal laws and regulations
- Respond to legal process and court orders
- Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies
- Fulfill reporting requirements
- Maintain accurate records for prosecution
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
Law Enforcement Authority
As a federal law enforcement agency, the FBI may share information as necessary for legitimate law enforcement purposes, national security, and public safety.
Authorized Sharing
- Other Federal Agencies: Department of Justice, Secret Service, IRS-CI, Postal Inspection Service
- State and Local Law Enforcement: When cases involve local jurisdiction
- International Partners: Interpol, foreign law enforcement (with proper legal framework)
- Financial Institutions: For asset recovery and fraud prevention
- Service Providers: Secure cloud services, technical support (under strict contracts)
- Courts and Legal Proceedings: As required by law or court order
Victim Information Sharing
We may share victim information with:
- Victim services organizations
- Financial recovery specialists
- Legal aid organizations
- Mental health support services
4. Data Security
Technical Safeguards
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Multi-factor authentication
- Secure data centers
- Regular security audits
- Intrusion detection systems
- Encrypted data transmission
Administrative Safeguards
- Role-based access controls
- Background checks for personnel
- Security training programs
- Access logging and monitoring
- Incident response procedures
- Data breach protocols
Security Standards
Our systems comply with Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requirements and other applicable federal security standards.
5. Data Retention
| Data Type | Retention Period | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Active Case Files | Duration of investigation + 7 years | Investigation and prosecution |
| Closed Case Files | 25 years minimum | Appeals, pattern analysis, cold cases |
| Financial Records | 10 years | Asset recovery, auditing |
| System Logs | 3 years | Security monitoring, troubleshooting |
| Communications | 7 years | Evidence preservation |
Note: Some records may be retained longer as required by federal records retention schedules or ongoing legal proceedings.
6. Your Rights
Privacy Act Rights
Under the Privacy Act of 1974, you have the right to:
- Request access to your records
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Be notified of routine uses
- File complaints about privacy violations
Limitations
Some rights may be limited when:
- Records are part of an active investigation
- Disclosure would compromise ongoing cases
- Information involves classified material
- Third-party privacy would be violated
Requesting Your Information
To request access to your records, contact our Privacy Office at privacy@fbi.gov or use the contact information provided below.
8. Children's Privacy
Age Restrictions
Our system is designed for adults (18+). If you are under 18, please have a parent or guardian assist you with reporting.
Special protections for minors include:
- Parental consent requirements
- Limited data collection
- Enhanced privacy protections
- Specialized victim services
9. International Users
This system is operated by the United States government. International users should be aware:
- Data is processed in the United States
- U.S. federal laws apply
- International cooperation agreements may apply
- Local privacy laws may not apply
International Reporting
If you are outside the U.S., consider also reporting to your local law enforcement and relevant international agencies.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:
- Changes in federal law or regulations
- System updates and new features
- Operational improvements
- Security enhancements
Notification: We will post updates on this page and may notify users of significant changes through the system or email.
11. Contact Information
Privacy Office
Email: privacy@fbi.gov
Phone: (202) 324-3000
Mail: FBI Privacy Office
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20535
System Support
Email: support@fbiscamreport.gov
Phone: 1-800-FBI-SCAM
Hours: 24/7 Support
8 AM - 8 PM ET (General inquiries)
Legal Authority
This Privacy Policy is issued under the authority of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. ยง 552a), the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and other applicable federal laws and regulations. For questions about legal authority, contact the FBI's Office of General Counsel.