How To Report A Cyber Crime Online In India?

In a digitally advanced India, reporting a cyber crime online has become very easy and convenient. However, many people still don’t know about the cyber attacks they face or where to go for help. In this guide, we will explain the process and explain how you in detail so that you know how to report a cyber crime in India and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

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State/UT Nodal Officer and Grievance Officer Contact Details For Reporting Cyber Crimes

Why Do You Need To Report A Cyber Crime?

Everything has been made so accessible online that any information you need is right at the tip of your fingers. While this has made our lives much easier, it also has counter effects to the increasing number of cyber threats. Nobody is immune from cyber attacks these days.

• In May 2024, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported an average of 7,000 cybercrime complaints daily.
• This marks a significant increase of 113.7 percent compared to the period between 2021 and 2023.
• There was also a 60.9 percent increase in complaints from 2022 to 2023.

Types Of Cyber Crimes:

When we talk about cyber attacks or cyber threats, the first thing that comes to our mind is an online virus infesting your system or a hacker getting hold of your system’s data. But now, cyber crimes come in a different range of offences. Some of them are:

• Financial fraud,
• Identity theft,
• Online job fraud,
• Online harassment like stalking or bullying,
• Online scamming

And more.

Timely reporting is crucial to initiating investigations and preventing further damage. By reporting a cyber crime complaint, you play an active role in safeguarding not only your interests but also those of the wider online community.

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Steps To File Cyber Crime Complaint Online:

Before we start, let’s be clear. In the event of an emergency or for reporting non-cyber crimes, it is advisable to reach out to your local police.

• The national police helpline can be contacted at 112, while the national women helpline operates at 181.
• For assistance with cyber crimes, the dedicated Cyber Crime Helpline can be reached at 1930. This is a nationalised number.
• So you can call here regardless of your state/UT. You can call between 9 AM and 6 PM.

Now, here are the steps to lodge a complaint online:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Access the official government-provided website to lodge your cyber crime complaint online. It is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or NCRP.

Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Cyber Crime Cell

• Begin by identifying the cyber crime cell that holds jurisdiction over your case. In the home bar on top, you will find two options– Report Women/Child-Related Crime and Report Cyber Crime.
• The first option is specially made for women and child-related cyber crimes. Here, you get the benefit of keeping your identity anonymous if you wish.
• The second one is for any kind of financial fraud or other cyber crimes.
• Choose the one that fits your case.

Step 3: Lodge The Cyber Crime Complaint Online

• In the next window, you will be directed towards two options.
• You can either learn more about cybercrime or ‘lodge complaint’ directly using the button.
• Move forward by pressing ‘I Accept’ button in the subsequent window.
• Take a moment to read and acknowledge the provided conditions.

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Step 4: Open Your Account

• Log in to the government website using the registered mobile number and OTP.
• If you don’t have an account, you can choose ‘click here for new user’.
• Enter the state and other details, then proceed to the next steps.

Step 5: Add Complaint Details

• You will get prompts to add relevant information about the cybercrime complaint.
• To strengthen your case, attach any relevant documents, screenshots, or evidence related to the cybercrime.
• This could include email conversations, transaction records, or other information that might aid investigators.
• Please make sure that the state you mention should be the one where the crime has taken place.

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Step 6: Receive Complaint ID

• After the final submission of the complaint, you will get a confirmation message on the screen. With that, you will receive a unique Complaint ID.
• The investigation process will start shortly.
• Keep this ID safe, as it will be used to track the progress of your case.

Step 7: Follow Up and Stay Informed

• Regularly check the status of your complaint through the online portal.
• Cyber crime cells often provide updates on the investigation, ensuring that you stay informed about the progress of your case.

What Is The Format To Report A Cyber Crime Complaint?

• Write a Letter: Explain what happened in detail.
• Include Personal Information: Add your name, address, and phone number.
• Address the Letter: Send it to the Head of the Cybercrime Investigation Cell.
• Attach Documents: Include any important documents related to the crime.
• Submit the Complaint: Take the letter to your nearest police station or cyber cell.

There’s no special format needed. Just make sure to provide all the necessary details.

Documents Needed To File a Cyber Crime Complaint

For an Email-Based Cyber Crime:

• Written complaint detailing the incident.
• Copy of the original email (not forwarded).
• Full email header.
• Hard and soft copies (CD-R) of the email and header.

For a Social Media-Based Cyber Crime:

• Screenshot of the profile and content or content’s URL.
• Hard and soft copies (CD-R) of the content.

To Report Mobile Application-Based Cyber Crime:

• Screenshot of the app.
• Location where the app was downloaded.
• Victim’s bank statements for related transactions.
• Soft copies of all documents.

For a Business Email-Based Cyber Crime:

• Written complaint about the offense.
• Originating name and location (from email).
• Originating bank’s name and account number.
• Recipient’s name, bank location, and account number.
• Date and amount of the transaction.
• SWIFT number.
• Additional details if available (e.g., FAV, FFC).

For a Data Theft Cyber Crime:

• Copy of the stolen data and a brief description.
• Copyright certificate of the stolen data.
• Details of the suspected employee(s).
  • Appointment letter.
  • List of duties and gadgets assigned.
  • Non-disclosure agreement.
  • List of clients handled by the suspect.
  • Proof of copyright breach.
  • Details of devices used by the suspect.

To Report Ransomware or Malware Cyber Crime:

• Email or phone number used to demand ransom.
• Screenshots of the email with malware and full header (from the first receiver).

For an Internet Banking/Lottery Scam/Online Transactions/Fake Call Cyber Crime:

• Bank statement for the last six months.
• Copy of SMS received about suspected transactions.
• Victim’s ID and address proof as per bank records.

To Report a Net Banking/ATM Cyber Crime:

• Printout of all alleged emails with complete headers (avoid forwarded emails).
• Victim’s bank statement.
• Details of all suspected transactions.
• Soft copies of all documents.

For a Bitcoin-Based Cyber Crime:

• Written brief about the offense.
• Bitcoin address.
• Total amount of bitcoin in question.
• Addresses involved in the purchase or sale of bitcoins.

Conclusion

Reporting a cyber crime complaint online is important to protect your online identity and activities. Not reporting gives cybercriminals a chance to take advantage. By reporting incidents quickly, you help fight against cyber threats. Staying informed and proactive is key to protecting yourself and others in our connected world. Take action and help solve the problem by reporting cyber crimes online in India.

Have you ever faced any kind of cyber threat? How did you handle the situation? Share your story here in the comments!

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