We frequently receive inquiries from victims who have been defrauded of hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars by Internet scammers portraying another identity. These scammers can be very clever and deceptive, and spend weeks building a relationship with their ultimate goal of convincing you to send money. False scenarios often include an appealing employment offer (requiring a processing fee), lottery winnings, inheritance notices, bank overpayments, and work permits. The scammers sometimes incorporate the humanitarian ploy of helping a friend in trouble who is in need of money.

Do NOT believe any of the above situations from somebody you have only interacted with online. Do NOT send money unless you are certain that your internet correspondent is a legitimate organization or person they claim to be. Avoid providing personal or financial information to persons or businesses you don’t really know or haven’t verified. Ways to assist with ascertaining the legitimacy of a person or organization is through information sourced independently (e.g. online telephones /addresses/street-view illustrations of physical premises). Do not consider the telephones, e-mail addresses, and other details provided by these correspondents as genuine information.

If you believe you have been defrauded of money and/or have divulged personal information we suggest you report this incident to the relevant bank or government authorities. If you are in Greece and/or you are a Greek citizen, we suggest you also contact the Hellenic Police, Cyber Crimes Unit, at ccu@cybercrimeunit.gov.gr. ph. 210 6476464, 210 6476000, fax. 210 6476462.

If you have been targeted in an Internet scam through a host website, notify the administrators of that website.

You may also report this incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov – a joint organizational initiative between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BIA).

Finally, end all communication with the scammer immediately! If you feel threatened, contact your local police.

Ambiguous proof for the transmission of U.S. citizenship, undocumented adoptions, the misuse of U.S. passports, and the abuse of citizenship identity, are all areas where we need your help. If you have information that you think is related to these activates please let us know.

Visa fraud such as sham marriages, phony engagements, incorrectly documented adoptions, illegal employment and unlawful residence are all activities where we need your help. If you have information that you think is related to visa fraud, please let us know. Your information would be considered anonymous and would be treated as strictly confidential