Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the FBI Online Scam Reporting System ("System") operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI", "we", "us", or "our"). By accessing or using this System, you ("User", "you", or "your") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. System Purpose and Scope

Primary Purpose

This System is designed to:

• Facilitate reporting of online fraud and scam incidents
• Collect evidence for federal criminal investigations
• Provide victim support and recovery services
• Enable asset recovery and restitution efforts
• Support prosecution of cybercriminals

Authorized Use

This System is intended for use by:

• Victims of online fraud and scams
• Authorized law enforcement personnel
• Legal representatives of victims
• Financial institutions reporting suspicious activity
• Other parties authorized by the FBI

3. Eligibility and Registration

Age Requirements

• Primary Users: Must be 18 years or older
• Minors: May register with parental/guardian consent and supervision
• Legal Representatives: Must provide proof of authorization

Registration Requirements

To register for an account, you must:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Verify your identity through our authentication process
• Maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials
• Promptly update any changes to your information
• Have a legitimate reason for accessing the System

4. User Responsibilities

Reporting Responsibilities

• Truthfulness: Provide accurate and complete information
• Timeliness: Report incidents promptly
• Documentation: Preserve and provide relevant evidence
• Cooperation: Assist with investigations as requested
• Updates: Notify us of any new developments

5. Prohibited Activities

Other Prohibited Conduct

• Interference: Obstructing ongoing investigations
• Unauthorized Disclosure: Sharing confidential information
• Harassment: Inappropriate contact with staff or other users
• Commercial Use: Using the System for business purposes
• Legal Violations: Any activity that violates federal, state, or local law

6. Reporting Requirements and Standards

Required Information

Evidence Standards

• Authenticity: Submit original, unmodified evidence
• Chain of Custody: Document how evidence was obtained and preserved
• File Formats: Use standard formats (PDF, JPG, PNG, TXT)
• File Size: Individual files should not exceed 25MB
• Organization: Label and organize evidence clearly

7. Information Accuracy and Verification

Accuracy Requirements

You are legally required to provide accurate information. This includes:

• Truthful incident descriptions
• Accurate financial information
• Correct personal and contact details
• Honest assessment of losses
• Complete disclosure of relevant facts

Verification Process

The FBI may verify information through:

• Independent investigation
• Third-party confirmation
• Financial institution records
• Technical analysis
• Additional documentation requests

8. System Availability and Maintenance

Service Levels

• Target Availability: 99.5% uptime
• Priority Access: 24/7 for urgent reports
• Maintenance Windows: Scheduled during off-peak hours
• Backup Systems: Alternative reporting methods available

System Limitations

We cannot guarantee:

• Uninterrupted service availability
• Complete data security against all threats
• Immediate response to all reports
• Specific investigation outcomes
• Asset recovery in all cases

Alternative Reporting Methods

If the System is unavailable:

• Call 1-800-FBI-SCAM for urgent matters
• Email reports to support@fbiscamreport.gov
• Contact your local FBI field office
• Visit an FBI office in person

9. Law Enforcement Authority and Powers

Investigative Powers

In connection with your report, the FBI may:

• Conduct interviews and obtain statements
• Execute search warrants and seizure orders
• Subpoena records and documents
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies
• Work with international partners
• Freeze assets and accounts
• Make arrests and file criminal charges

User Cooperation

By using this System, you agree to:

• Cooperate fully with FBI investigations
• Respond to requests for additional information
• Participate in interviews when requested
• Provide testimony if required
• Assist with asset recovery efforts

Confidentiality and Disclosure

The FBI may share your information:

• With other law enforcement agencies
• As part of criminal proceedings
• For national security purposes
• In response to legal process
• With victim services organizations

10. Intellectual Property Rights

Government Works

This System and its content are works of the United States Government and are generally not subject to copyright protection in the United States.

User Content

By submitting information to this System, you:

• Grant the FBI a non-exclusive license to use the information for law enforcement purposes
• Represent that you have the right to provide the information
• Understand that information may be used in legal proceedings
• Acknowledge that information may be shared with other agencies

Third-Party Content

Some content may be subject to third-party rights:

• Evidence from social media platforms
• Screenshots of websites
• Email communications
• Financial records

11. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

System Limitations

The FBI disclaims liability for:

• System downtime or technical failures
• Data loss or corruption
• Unauthorized access by third parties
• Delays in investigation or response
• Actions of third parties or other agencies

Investigation Limitations

Users understand that:

• Not all reports will result in full investigations
• Resource limitations may affect case priority
• Some cases may be referred to other agencies
• Successful prosecution depends on many factors
• Asset recovery is not guaranteed

Sovereign Immunity

The United States Government retains sovereign immunity except as specifically waived by federal law.

12. Modifications and Updates

Terms Changes

These Terms may be modified to reflect:

• Changes in federal law or regulations
• System updates and new features
• Operational improvements
• Security enhancements
• Policy clarifications

Notification Process

• Major Changes: 30-day advance notice via system notification
• Minor Changes: Posted immediately with effective date
• Critical Changes: Immediate implementation for security or legal reasons

Continued Use

Continued use of the System after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.