What Does the FBI Do About Identity Theft in 2025?

The FBI investigates large-scale, cyber-enabled, or organized identity theft cases—especially those involving losses over $100,000, synthetic identity fraud, data breaches, or national security threats. It operates through the Cyber Division, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and joint task forces with agencies like the IRS-CID, Secret Service, and INTERPOL. Victims can report via IC3.gov or tips.fbi.gov, and cases are prioritized based on complexity, financial loss, and threat level.
Identity theft cost Americans over $12.5 billion in 2023 alone, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). And as scammers evolve—from phishing kits to AI-powered fraud bots—the FBI has become the nation’s central force against organized identity theft. But what exactly does the FBI do, and how can victims engage this powerful agency to fight back?

The FBI’s Expanding Role in Identity Theft Investigations

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) leads national efforts against identity theft, especially when cases involve:

• Cross-state or international operations
  
• Organized cybercrime rings
  
• Synthetic identities
  
• Healthcare or financial data breaches
  
• National security implications

As Special Agent Brian Herrick of the FBI’s Cyber Division explains:

“Our mission isn’t just to arrest individuals. It’s to dismantle criminal networks that profit from stealing Americans’ identities—often without them ever knowing.”

Key Laws the FBI Enforces

FBI agents operate under federal statutes, including:

• Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (18 U.S.C. § 1028): Criminalizes unauthorized use of personal data for fraud.
  
• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030): Targets hacking, malware deployment, and data theft.
  
• Wire Fraud Statute (18 U.S.C. § 1343): Applies to identity scams conducted via phone, email, or the internet.

These laws allow for up to 15 years in prison, asset forfeiture, and prosecution across state lines.

Investigative Framework: How the FBI Handles Identity Theft

1. Intake and Triage

• Victims report identity theft at IC3.gov or tips.fbi.gov.
  
• Analysts assess:
  
  • Financial loss (e.g., >$100,000)
    
  • Cross-jurisdictional scope
    
  • Suspected organized crime or bot networks
    
  • Relevance to national security

Cases with broader implications move to Cyber Division squads or Joint Financial Crimes Task Forces (JFTFs).

2. Evidence Collection

• Subpoenas issued to banks, brokers, and email providers
  
• IP tracing, dark web monitoring, and digital forensics
  
• Collaboration with credit bureaus and anti-fraud firms
  

“Our analysts detect fraud patterns in IC3 data that link complaints from across the country—turning scattered incidents into a federal investigation,” says Supervisory Special Agent Laura McKnight.

3. Operational & Arrest Phase

• Undercover operations to infiltrate fraud rings
  
• International cooperation (e.g., INTERPOL, Europol)
  
• Search warrants, arrests, and seizure of digital assets

4. Prosecution & Restitution

• Referrals to U.S. Attorney’s Offices for indictment or plea deals
  
• Victim-witness support, restitution coordination, and civil recovery options

Key Divisions and Programs

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

• Central hub for cybercrime and identity theft reporting
  
• In 2023, IC3 received over 880,000 complaints
  
• Helps identify fraud trends and refer cases to local FBI field offices

Cyber Division & National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF)

• Coordinates cybercrime intelligence across 30+ federal and local agencies
  
• Tracks ransomware, deepfake ID fraud, and dark web markets

Joint Task Forces

• Include agents from IRS-CID, Secret Service, Postal Inspection Service, and local police
  
• Embedded in 56 field offices for faster case resolution

NCIC Identity Theft File

• Law enforcement database where stolen identities are flagged
  
• Includes names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and optional biometric data

Case Studies: FBI Success Stories

• Operation Cookie Monster (2024): Dismantled a dark web site selling 80 million stolen SSNs; 150 arrests worldwide.
  
• Multi-State Synthetic-ID Ring: Triggered by IC3 tips from 15 states; 5,000 fake profiles dismantled; $4 million recovered.
  
• Springfield Bank Fraud: $250,000 stolen in Missouri; FBI tracked the funds and secured full restitution in 3 months.
  
• Healthcare Breach Takedown: Stopped a ransomware group attacking hospitals; $12 million in crypto recovered.

Victim Support and Engagement

How to Report:

1. File with IC3.gov: Include detailed timeline, suspect behavior, and losses.
   
2. Call FBI Tip Line: (202) 324-3000 or submit at tips.fbi.gov.
   
3. Complete Victim Questionnaire: For high-priority cases, the FBI may request more detailed info.

What to Include:

• FTC affidavit from IdentityTheft.gov
  
• Credit reports, bank logs, IP addresses, and phishing emails
  
• Summary cover letter referencing IC3 complaint number

“The more precise and complete your submission, the better chance it has of being escalated,” says Agent Thomas Reyes, FBI Field Office Liaison.

Post-Investigation & Civil Options

If your case isn’t prosecuted federally:

• File civil claims under 18 U.S.C. § 1028 or state laws
  
• Request Victim Notification Letters and restitution help from the U.S. Attorney’s Office
  
• Submit a FOIA request for investigative records

Prevention and Public Awareness

Protect Yourself

• Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
  
• Use real-time monitoring tools like Aura or LifeLock
  
• Update passwords, enable MFA, and watch for phishing attempts

Educational Initiatives

• Visit the FBI’s Scams & Safety portal for updates on fraud trends
  
• Participate in awareness programs through InfraGard and the National Cyber Security Alliance

FBI’s Performance & Transparency

• 1,600+ convictions since 2008 tied to identity fraud cases
  
• $942 million recovered in restitution and fines
  
• Audited by the DOJ Office of Inspector General for response time and efficiency

Final Takeaway

The FBI focuses on complex, systemic identity theft—not every individual case. However, every victim report contributes to intelligence gathering and fraud prevention. By filing detailed complaints through IC3.gov and engaging with recovery services, victims can protect themselves while helping dismantle the networks behind one of America’s fastest-growing crimes.

For more information, visit:

• FBI Identity Theft Resources
  
• IC3 Complaint Center
  
• FTC Identity Theft Recovery