How to report cyber crime and fraud in india

By Techie Teacher Last updated Sep 18, 2024

Due to the rise in cybercrime, the Government of India has launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to assist victims in reporting cyber fraud and other cybercrimes. This online platform offers a streamlined process for individuals to file complaints and seek assistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this service effectively.

In 2021, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 52,974 cyber crime incidents, reflecting a nearly 6 percent increase from the previous year. This data highlights the growing issue of cyber crime, but it’s important to remember that these numbers are based only on reported cases. The true number of incidents is likely higher, considering the cases that go unreported.

Why might people not report cyber crimes? Often, cases involving smaller financial losses are not reported because individuals may see them as minor or too troublesome to pursue. Additionally, many people are still unaware of the different types of cyber crime and the process for reporting them. Let’s delve into what cyber fraud is and how to register a complaint.

What is cyber fraud

Cyber fraud, also known as online or internet fraud, is a crime where individuals use the internet to steal money. Fraudsters may target people by contacting them through SMS, phone calls, emails, or other means to collect personal information. They may also send malicious links to apps or websites to gain unauthorized access to computers, mobile devices, or networks, aiming to obtain sensitive information such as bank account numbers, credit card details, social security numbers, and other personal data.

Common cyber fraud

As technology advances, cyber scammers are adopting new methods to target individuals and steal money. Some common types of cyber fraud include identity theft, phishing scams, credit card fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and more.

Here are five common types of cyber fraud you should be aware of:

Phishing Scams: Scammers send fake emails, text messages, or make phone calls pretending to be a legitimate organization. Their goal is to trick people into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or OTPs.
Identity Theft: Scammers steal personal information, including name, address, and social security number, to open accounts, apply for loans, or commit other crimes under the victim’s name.
Malware: Scammers distribute malicious apps or links designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems to collect sensitive information for financial gain. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware.
Job Scams: Scammers offer fake job opportunities online, only to later steal money from the victims.
Online Shopping Scams: Cybercriminals create fake e-commerce websites or advertise non-existent products on legitimate sites to deceive people into making purchases. They may also use these fake sites to steal credit card details and money.

📚 Also Read: E-Commerce Security Threats and Their Solutions

What is National Cyber Crime Reporting portal

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is an online platform created by the Government of India to assist victims and complainants in reporting cyber crime complaints, including cyber fraud. This portal accepts complaints related to cyber crimes and places a special emphasis on cases involving cyber crimes against women and children.

How to report cyber fraud

Victims of online scams and cyber fraud can report their cases through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal using two main methods:

Helpline Number: Call 1930 to report cyber fraud directly.
Online Portal: File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.

How to report an FIR for a Cyber Crime?

If you cannot access any cyber cells in India, you can file a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station. If your complaint is not accepted there, you can escalate the issue to the Commissioner or the city’s Judicial Magistrate.

Certain cyber crime offenses fall under the IPC. You can file a cyber crime FIR at the nearest local police station to report these offenses. According to Section 154 of the CrPC, it is mandatory for every police officer to record the information or complaint of an offense, regardless of the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.

How to report cyber crime complaints online

To submit a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, follow these steps:

Open your browser and visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
Click on the ‘File a Complaint’ option on the homepage.
Review and agree to the terms and conditions to proceed.
Select ‘Report Other Cyber Crime’.
Click on ‘Citizen Login’ and enter your personal information.
Input the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
Complete the captcha and click ‘Submit’.
The complaint form is divided into sections: General Information, Victim Information, Cybercrime Information, and Preview.
Fill out each section with detailed information about the incident.
On the incident details page, upload any supporting evidence, such as screenshots or files related to the crime.
Click ‘Save and Next’.
If you have information about the suspect, provide it on the next page. If not, you can skip this step.
Verify all the information provided to ensure its accuracy.
Click the ‘Submit’ button.
You will receive a confirmation message and an email with your complaint ID.

What are the documents required to file a Cyber Crime complaint?

To file a Cyber Crime complaint, you will need the following documents:

For Email-Based Complaints:

A written complaint detailing the incident and offense.
A copy of the alleged email from the original receiver (avoid forwarded emails).
The full header of the alleged email.
Copies of the email and header in both hard and soft forms (on CD-R only).

For Social Media-Based Complaints:

A copy or screenshot of the alleged profile and/or content, or a screenshot of the URL of the alleged content.
Hard and soft copies of the alleged content (ensure the soft copy is provided on CD-R).

For Mobile App-Based Complaints:

A screenshot of the alleged app.
The location from where the app was downloaded.
The victim’s bank statements if transactions occurred related to the incident.
Soft copies of all the above documents.

For Business Email-Based Complaints:

A written brief about the offense and incident.
The originating name (as in the email or offender) and location.
The originating bank name and account number (as per the email).
The recipient’s name (as in bank records), bank account number, and bank location (not mandatory).
The date and amount of the transaction.
SWIFT number.
Additional information (if available), including “FFC” (For Further Credit) and “FAV” (In Favor Of).

For Data Theft Complaints:

A copy of the stolen data and a brief description.
The copyright certificate of the allegedly stolen data.
Details of the suspected employee(s), including:
- Letter of Appointment.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement.
- Assigned list of duties and gadgets.
- List of clients handled by the suspect.
- Proof of breach of your copyright data.
- Devices used by the accused during their employment (if available).

For Ransomware/Malware Complaints:

The email ID/phone number or any other communication details through which the ransom was demanded.
If malware was sent as an email attachment, provide screenshots of the email with the full header of the first receiver.

For Internet Banking/Online Transactions/Lottery Scam/Fake Call Related Complaints:

Bank statements for the concerned bank covering the last six months.
Copies of SMS(s) related to the suspected transactions.
The victim’s ID and address proof as per bank records.

For Net Banking/ATM Complaints:

Printouts of the alleged emails with complete headers as received by the original receiver (avoid forwarded emails).
Victim’s bank statement.
Details of the suspected transactions.
Soft copies of all aforementioned documents.

For Bitcoin-Based Complaints:

A written brief about the offense.
The address of the bitcoin.
The amount of bitcoin in question.
The address from/to whom the purchase/sale of bitcoins was conducted.

What are the Consequences of Cyber Crime?

Knowing how to report cyber crime is crucial, as the consequences of cyber crime are often borne by the victim.

Revenue Loss: Cyber crimes targeting companies can lead to significant revenue or income losses, especially when sensitive data and information are compromised.
Reputation Damage: An organization’s reputation can suffer severely when its information is hacked. In cases involving bank accounts or credit/debit cards, customers may lose trust in the organization.
Aftermath of Cyber Terrorism: Cyber terrorism is a severe form of cyber crime that can impact a large number of people simultaneously. It can significantly weaken a country’s economy, depleting resources and increasing vulnerability to military attacks. The economic impact includes losses incurred during downtime, which is part of the cyber crime strategy.
Impact on Society and Government: As computers replace manual tasks and the government becomes more digitized, cyber crime affects both society and government. For example, when young hackers compromised the Maharashtra government’s website, it demonstrated how cyber crime has become a cost-effective method for criminals to generate money.

FAQ’s

What should I do if I suspect I am a victim of cyber fraud?

If you suspect you are a victim of cyber fraud, report it immediately through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. You can do this by calling the helpline number 1930 or filing a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in.

How can I report a cyber crime if I don’t have access to cyber cells?

If you cannot access any cyber cells in India, you can file a First Information Report (FIR) at your local police station. If the complaint is not accepted, you can escalate it to the Commissioner or the city’s Judicial Magistrate.

What types of documents are required to file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?

The required documents vary based on the type of cyber crime. For example, email-based complaints require a written complaint, a copy of the alleged email, and its full header. For social media-based complaints, you need screenshots of the profile or content and copies of the content. Ensure to follow the specific requirements for each type of complaint.

How do I file a complaint for an email-based cyber crime?

To file a complaint for an email-based cyber crime, provide a written complaint, a copy of the alleged email (not forwarded), the full header of the email, and both hard and soft copies of these documents (on CD-R).

What steps should I follow to submit a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?

Visit cybercrime.gov.in, click on ‘File a Complaint,’ agree to the terms, select ‘Report Other Cyber Crime,’ log in, enter the OTP, fill out the form sections with details about the incident, upload supporting evidence, and submit the complaint. You will receive a confirmation message and an email with your complaint ID.

Why might people not report cyber crimes?

People might not report cyber crimes due to perceived minor financial loss, lack of awareness about different types of cyber crime, or the complexity of the reporting process. Many individuals may also feel it’s not worth the effort or believe it won’t lead to a resolution.

What are the consequences of cyber crime?

Cyber crime can lead to significant revenue loss for businesses, damage to reputation, and economic impact through cyber terrorism. It also affects society and government operations, as demonstrated by incidents like the hacking of government websites.

What information should I include if I am filing a complaint about a ransomware attack?

For a ransomware attack complaint, provide details of the email ID or phone number used to demand the ransom, and if applicable, screenshots of the email with the full header of the first receiver.

How can I prove my identity when reporting a cyber crime?

To prove your identity, you may need to provide personal identification documents such as your ID and address proof, especially when filing complaints related to online banking, transactions, or other financial crimes.

What should I do if I have information about a suspect in a cyber crime case?

If you have information about a suspect, provide details on the relevant page of the complaint form. This may include the suspect’s name, contact details, or any other relevant information you have about them. If you do not have such information, you can skip this step.

Conclusion

Reporting cybercrime effectively is crucial for addressing and preventing such incidents. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal simplifies this process, helping victims seek justice. By understanding common cyber fraud types and following proper reporting steps, you contribute to the fight against cybercrime and protect others from similar threats. Stay alert and use the available resources to ensure cybercriminals are held accountable.