The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently published its 25th anniversary annual report. It is the nation’s primary hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. Since its inception in 2000, the IC3 has evolved from a small intake office into a sophisticated center that serves as an important link for the public to reach federal law enforcement.
In its early days, the center received only a few complaints per month. Today, that number has surged to an average of nearly 3,000 complaints every single day. This increase doesn’t just represent a rise in crime, it also represents a more informed and engaged public. Reporting is the "digital neighborhood watch" that allows the FBI to identify trends, publish public awareness campaigns, and issue critical alerts to the private sector.
In 2025, reported losses reached a significant milestone, surpassing the $20 billion mark. Investment-related fraud continues to have the largest impact, followed closely by email compromise and tech support scams. These figures prove that hackers aren't just targeting high-level corporations.
The FBI is not only documenting these crimes, it is actively disrupting them. Through initiatives like "Operation Level Up," which specifically targeted crypto-investment scams, the FBI has successfully shifted the cost of crime back onto the criminals. This single operation alone is estimated to have reduced potential losses by more than $500 million since 2024.
Currently, professional law enforcement is engaged in "Operation Winter Shield," a campaign designed to help organizations bolster their digital security through concrete, actionable steps. These efforts are reinforced by recent Executive Orders targeting foreign scam centers and the nefarious actors who exploit citizens via the internet.
For more information about these initiatives, and for a copy of the 25th Anniversary report, navigate to the link below.
