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| Prior To Filing A Complaint |
| Q: How do I file a complaint with the Internet Crimes Unit? |
| A: |
If you have knowledge of an internet crime, you may file a complaint online by choosing the Report an Internet Crime tab, or you may call the toll-free number 1-888-70-CRIME (1-888-702-7463) and speak to an analyst. |
| Q: How are complaints resolved? |
| A: |
The Internet Crimes Unit thoroughly reviews and evaluates each complaint so that we may refer it to the appropriate federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agency. Every complaint that is referred is sent to one or more law enforcement or regulatory agencies that have jurisdiction over the matter. Once we refer a complaint to the appropriate agency, it may then be assigned to an investigator. We, therefore, ask that you provide a telephone number in the event an investigator needs to contact you for additional information. |
| Q: Do you have a definition of Internet crime that I can refer to? |
| A: |
Internet crime is defined as any illegal activity involving one or more components of the Internet, such as websites, chat rooms, and/or email.
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| Q: Can I file a complaint if I am a citizen of Illinois but have been victimized by an individual or company outside of Illinois? |
| A: |
If one of the two parties involved is located within Illinois, you may file a complaint.
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| Q: Can I file a complaint if I have been victimized by an individual or company in Illinois, but I am not a citizen of Illinois? |
| A: |
If one of the two parties involved is located within Illinois, you may file a complaint.
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| After A Complaint Is Filed
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| Q: What happens after I file a complaint? |
| A: |
As Internet crime complaints are reported online, the Internet Crimes Unit electronically compiles the data. Trained analysts review and research each complaint, disseminating information to the appropriate federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for criminal, civil, or administrative action, as appropriate. |
| Q: When will I be updated on the status of the investigation of my complaint? |
| A: |
After you file a complaint with the Internet Crimes Unit, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction. You will not be updated on the status of your complaint by the Internet Crimes Unit. If the case is referred to an investigative officer, the officer will get in touch with you to provide their contact information and will be able to provide the status of your case at that time. It is the Internet Crimes Unit's intention to review every complaint and refer them to law enforcement and regulatory agencies having jurisdiction; however, investigation and prosecution is at the discretion of the receiving agencies. |
| Q: How do I cancel my complaint that I filed? |
| A: |
Once a complaint has been filed with the Internet Crimes Unit, it cannot be canceled.
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Related Evidence
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| Q: Should I retain evidence that supports my complaint or send it to the Internet Crimes Unit? |
| A: |
The Internet Crimes Unit does not collect evidence regarding complaints. You must be sure to keep all original documents in a secure location. In the event that a law enforcement or regulatory agency opens an investigation, they will request the information directly from you.
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| Q: What type of documents would be considered as evidence in regard to my complaint? |
| A: |
It is important that you keep any evidence you may have related to your complaint. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Canceled checks
- Certified or other mail receipts
- Chatroom or newsgroup text
- Credit card receipts
- Envelopes (if you received items via FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Mail)
- Facsimiles
- Money order receipts
- Pamphlets or brochures
- Phone bills
- Printed or preferably electronic copies of emails (if printed, include full email header information)
- Printed or preferably electronic copies of web pages
- Wire receipts
Keep items in a safe location in the event you are requested to provide them for investigative or prosecutive evidence.
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Urgent Complaints
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| Q: Can I file a complaint if I have been threatened over the Internet via email, chat room, or on a website? |
| A: |
If you think your life is in danger, please contact your local and/or state police immediately!
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| Q: What should I do if I believe my complaint is time sensitive? |
| A: |
After you file a complaint with the Internet Crimes Unit, the information is reviewed by an analyst and forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction. As investigation and prosecution is at the discretion of the receiving agencies, please contact your local law enforcement directly if you believe your matter is time sensitive.
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| Q: Is SPAM an Internet Crime? |
| A: |
No, SPAM is not a crime, there are many products available to control or eliminate unsolicited pop-up SPAMs that are forwarded by e-mail or internet providers. |
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