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

You can file a complaint online on the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal, call the national helpline number, or visit the nearest local police station. We explain what to do, and how.

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. (Photo via Pixabay)

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The rapid advancement of technology has provided cybercriminals with new ways to exploit victims. From hacking personal information to financial frauds to using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the sophistication of cybercrimes continues to evolve. This article will tell you what to do first and how to report a cybercrime if you unfortunately happen to be a victim of a cybercrime.

Some common cybercrimes:

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):

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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.

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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:

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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

Ankita Deshkar

Ankita Deshkar is a Deputy Copy Editor and a dedicated fact-checker at The Indian Express. Based in Maharashtra, she specializes in bridging the gap between technical complexity and public understanding. With a deep focus on Cyber Law, Information Technology, and Public Safety, she leads "The Safe Side" series, where she deconstructs emerging digital threats and financial scams. Ankita is also a certified trainer for the Google News Initiative (GNI) India Training Network, specializing in online verification and the fight against misinformation. She is also an AI trainer with ADiRA (AI for Digital Readiness and Advancement) Professional Background & Expertise Role: Fact-checker & Deputy Copy Editor, The Indian Express Experience: Started working in 2016 Ankita brings a unique multidisciplinary background to her journalism, combining engineering logic with mass communication expertise. Her work often intersects regional governance, wildlife conservation, and digital rights, making her a leading voice on issues affecting Central India, particularly the Vidarbha region. Key focus areas include: Fact-Checking & Verification: As a GNI-certified trainer, she conducts workshops on debunking deepfakes, verifying viral claims, and using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools. Cyber Law & IT: With postgraduate specialization in Cyber Law, she decodes the legalities of data privacy, digital fraud, and the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights. Public Safety & Health: Through her "The Safe Side" column, she provides actionable intelligence on avoiding "juice jacking," "e-SIM scams," and digital extortion. Regional Reporting: She provides on-ground coverage of high-stakes issues in Maharashtra, from Maoist surrenders in Gadchiroli to critical healthcare updates and wildlife-human conflict in Nagpur. Education & Credentials Ankita is currently pursuing her PhD in Mass Communication and Journalism, focusing on the non-verbal communication through Indian classical dance forms. Her academic foundation includes: MA in Mass Communication (RTM Nagpur University) Bachelors in Electrical Engineering (RTM Nagpur University) Post Graduate Diploma (PGTD) in Cyber Law and Information Technology Specialization in Intellectual Property Rights Recent Notable Coverage Ankita’s reportage is recognized for its investigative depth and emphasis on accountability: Cyber Security: "Lost money to a scam? Act within the 'golden hour' or risk losing it all" — A deep dive into the critical window for freezing fraudulent transactions. Public Health: "From deep coma to recovery: First fully recovered Coldrif patient discharged" — Investigating the aftermath of pharmaceutical toxins and the healthcare response. Governance & Conflict: "Gadchiroli now looks like any normal city: SP Neelotpal" — An analysis of the socio-political shift in Maoist-affected regions. Signature Beat Ankita is best known for her ability to translate "technical jargon into human stories." Whether she is explaining how AI tools like MahaCrimeOS assist the police or exposing the dire conditions of wildlife transit centres, her writing serves as a bridge between specialized knowledge and everyday safety. Contact & Follow X (Twitter): @ankita_deshkar Email: ankita.deshkar@indianexpress.com ... Read More