Victim of a cybercrime? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file a complaint

Phishing: It is a technique where attackers use deceptive emails or messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions they shouldn’t.

Ransomware: It is malicious software that encrypts a victim’s data and demands a ransom for its decryption, often causing significant data loss and financial damage.

Identity theft: This is the unauthorised acquisition and use of someone else’s personal information for fraudulent purposes.

Online Money Scams: These are deceptive schemes on the internet where fraudsters trick individuals into sending money or providing personal information with false promises of financial gain.

Cyber Stalking and Cyber Bullying: Stalking involves persistent, unwanted online harassment or monitoring of an individual, while cyber bullying refers to the use of digital platforms to intimidate, threaten, or demean others.
Other cybercrimes are email frauds, social media crimes, mobile app-related crimes, business email compromise, data theft, net banking and ATM frauds, fake calls, insurance frauds, lottery scams, bitcoins, cheating etc.

First things first

Once you realise that you have become a victim of cyber fraud, block your bank account, connect with the bank authorities and tell them that your personal information has been compromised.

National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP):

This portal is an initiative of Government of India to facilitate victims/complainants reporting cybercrime online. This portal caters to cyber crimes complaints only, with special focus on cybercrimes against women and children. Complaints reported on this portal are dealt with by law enforcement agencies/police based on the information provided. For prompt action, it is imperative to provide correct and accurate details while filing complaints.

Helpline number 1930:

1930 is national cybercrime helpline. If you fall victim to a financial fraud, you can call this number with necessary details, such as your name, contact information, your account number along with the details of the account that you transferred the money to.

File an online complaint:

If you are a victim of cybercrime, or if you see a cybercrime against women and children, you can report it to https://cybercrime.gov.in/. You can file a report anonymously too.

Here too, while filing a complaint, ensure that you have necessary documents, like your bank account number, account to which you transferred the amount and your contact number which is linked to the bank. You can also track the status of your complaint once you file it.

In case of anonymous complaints, you do not need to provide any personal information. However, information related to the incident / complaint should be complete for the police authorities to take necessary action. You will need to provide key information such as your name, phone number, email address, details of the incident/ complaint and necessary information supporting the complaint, etc.

You will need to register yourself using your mobile number. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your mobile number. The OTP remains valid for 30 minutes only. Once you successfully register your mobile number on the portal, you will be able to report the complaint.

The complaints reported on the portal shall be handled by the State/UT police authorities concerned. Once your complaint is submitted, you will receive a confirmation message in the portal itself. In case you have filed a complaint through the ‘Report and Track’ option or ‘Report Other Cybercrime’ section available on the portal, you will receive a SMS and an e-mail with a complaint reference number on your registered mobile number and e-mail id.

Contact nearest police station:

If you are unable to file a report online or through the helpline number, you can visit the nearest police station and register a complaint. The police officials will then do the needful and transfer the case to the cyber cell.
Other helpline numbers:

National police helpline number: 112
National women helpline number: 181
Toll-free police control room number: 100