Fake IC3/FBI Facebook ads: a money recovery scam
Checked by The Proofmark editorial team against our methodology before publishing
The Proofmark · Our methodology
What does the page ask you to do?
The page Internet crime commission IC3 invites people who have lost money to send payment records and messages through Facebook or Telegram. It claims to work with the FBI and to have recovered a billion US dollars worldwide.
The request puts sensitive information in the advertiser's hands before you know who is receiving it. A payment record can reveal your bank, the recipient and the amount lost. Those details can make a later approach sound convincing.
The FTC describes a common next step in recovery scams: someone demands a fee or more personal information before supposedly releasing your money. We did not contact this advertiser, so we do not know what it asks for privately.
What does the official IC3 warning establish?
The Internet Crime Complaint Center is the FBI's service for reporting internet crime. Its warning of 20 July 2026 says it has no social-media presence and does not recover funds through Facebook or Telegram.
The notice covers impersonation schemes generally. It does not identify this particular page. We have no verified payment records from its customers, loss total or confirmed identity for its operator. The advertised billion-dollar recovery figure is unsupported by our findings.
Meta's record shows the advert ran 24–26 June 2026. It was inactive when we checked on 20 October; the reason it stopped is unknown.
Replied or paid? Take these steps
If you sent money, contact your bank or payment service promptly. Explain who received it and that the offer may involve impersonation. Ask whether the payment can be stopped, recalled or disputed, and what deadline applies.
Next, act on what you shared:
- Documents or account details: tell the affected bank or account provider exactly what was sent. Ask which protective steps are needed.
- A password or login code: secure the account through its official app or website. Contact support if you have lost access.
- Only your name or phone number: be alert to follow-up messages that refer to your loss. Do not treat knowledge of your case as proof of authority.
Keep the advert, conversation, receipts and recipient details before blocking the contact. Do not send another payment described as a tax or release fee. Report the page to Facebook.
To file an IC3 report, type ic3.gov into your browser yourself. For other official reporting routes, use our guide to reporting a scam.
Need help sorting out your next step?
In a free phone consultation, we can help you separate the original loss from the later recovery offer and work out which records matter. Have the page name, messages and any payment receipt ready.
Discuss my situation. We are independent of IC3 and the FBI. A refund cannot be guaranteed; never send us passwords or login codes.
Sources
Advertising evidence: Meta Ad Library record 1702890427580584. The original creative and record are retained in our research files.
Where to get help in your country
Choose your country to see where to check a company, report a scam and get help.
Choose your country to see local contacts. If it is not listed, you can ask our team for help.
🇬🇧 The United Kingdom
🔎 Check the firm
FCA Firm Checker — Search the firm name, its website, or the reference number it gave you.
🚨 Report it
Report Fraud (City of London Police) — Report online or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
↩ Ask for your money back
Financial Ombudsman Service — Complain to the firm first, then bring it here. Free, and it can order the firm to pay.
Every address above was opened and checked by us on 30 September 2026. Tell us if one has moved.
Was this article helpful?
Thank you. Your feedback helps us improve.
Your reason has been saved.
Your callback request is received.
Our team will call .
You do not need to send another request. The call is free.
Your reference:
Request a free callback
Leave your number. We will talk through what happened.
Name and phone number are required. All other details are optional.
Your saved draft has been restored.
Read next
FxAlchemist: 5–9% a month on autopilot?
The FCA warns against this service. We explain the trading offer, the refund terms and your options if you have paid.
Terms used in this article
