How to get the FBI to investigate someone?
Asked by: Myrtis Purdy | Last update: June 6, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (45 votes)
- Submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
- Contact your local FBI field office or closest international office.
- Provide information on select major cases to 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
What makes the FBI investigate you?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal law, and investigates a variety of criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes.
Who has higher authority than the FBI?
Within the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is responsible to the attorney general, and it reports its findings to U.S. Attorneys across the country. The FBI's intelligence activities are overseen by the Director of National Intelligence.
What crimes should you contact the FBI about?
- Terrorism.
- Counterintelligence.
- Cybercrime.
- Public Corruption.
- Civil Rights.
- Transnational Organized Crime.
- White-Collar Crime.
- Violent Crime.
How to tell if the feds are watching you?
- Receiving a Target Letter. ...
- Federal investigators Showing Up at Your Home or Work. ...
- Having Your Phone Calls Monitored. ...
- Unusual Activity from Financial Institutions. ...
- Unexplained Grand Jury Subpoenas for Documents, Emails, or Other Records. ...
- Criminal Indictments Issued by the U.S Attorney.
Want to Become an FBI Agent? Here’s How
Can you anonymously report someone to the FBI?
If you experience a threat, please contact your local FBI field office (listings available at www.fbi.gov) or submit a tip via 1-800-CALLFBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or via www.fbi.gov/tips. You can also make an anonymous tip to the FBI by phone or online.
Who investigates corrupt FBI agents?
The Public Integrity Section (PIN) oversees the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes affecting government integrity, including bribery of public officials, election crimes, and other related offenses.
Who does the CIA answer to?
The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA) serves as the head of the CIA and reports to the Director of National Intelligence.
How long do FBI investigations take?
They typically last weeks or months, and even years for the more complex and complicated cases. In fact, the investigations can last for the length of time of the statute of limitations. For most federal cases, the statute of limitations is five years.
What is considered a threat over text?
A threat to harm can either be an explicit (direct, clear and specific) or implied (vague) threat regarding another individual, group, or entity. Verbal or written threats (by any means: face to face, voicemail, text, social media, email, etc) to people or property to cause injury, pain, or death.
What crimes get reported to the FBI?
The FBI collects the number of offenses for the crimes of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson through the UCR Program.
At what point does the FBI get involved?
In general, the FBI will become involved in a local law enforcement investigation or prosecution when an alleged offense falls under federal jurisdiction, when a crime is committed on federal property, when local law enforcement agencies request assistance, or when multiple jurisdictions are involved.
How long do investigations take?
Most investigations take a few months - that is, generally speaking. If the evidence is particularly strong, police may be ready to make an arrest within days of the initial report coming in.
Is the FBI watching me?
(NEXSTAR) — It's a common joke to refer to the FBI agent that “lives” in your phone, listening to your conversations and observing your phone usage (this is almost certainly not happening to you, as the FBI uses wiretapping “infrequently and only to combat terrorism and the most serious crimes”).
Is FBI higher than police?
If a crime is committed that is a violation of local, state, and federal laws, does the FBI “take over” the investigation? No. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations.
What kind of things does the FBI investigate?
The FBI has divided its investigations into a number of programs, such as domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, cyber crime, public corruption, civil rights, organized crime/drugs, white-collar crime, violent crimes and major offenders, and applicant matters.
How to find out if the FBI is investigating you?
- A federal prosecutor formally notifies you that you are the target of an investigation through a target letter.
- A federal law enforcement agent contacts you by phone and asks for a meeting.
Who has more authority, FBI or CIA?
Great question. Lots of people get the CIA and FBI confused. The CIA's mission is to collect foreign intelligence overseas, where as the FBI addresses domestic issues. The CIA does not have law enforcement authority and does not collect information concerning the domestic activities of American citizens.
How do I report something to the FBI?
- Submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
- Contact your local FBI field office or closest international office.
- Provide information on select major cases to 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
What can you do legally if someone threatens you?
You can also file a civil lawsuit with your local court for emotional or physical harm. You can file for a restraining order against a person so they will stop threatening you and stay away from you. Know how to protect yourself from notarios and fake websites.
How do I report someone as a spy?
IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY, CALL 9-1-1. Do not report suspicious activity to the Department of Homeland Security. Instead, notify local law enforcement.