How to Report Cybercrime in India
1.
Collect Evidence
Gather all the necessary evidence related to the cybercrime. This includes:
- Emails, screenshots, chat logs, or any digital evidence.
- URLs, IP addresses, and any information about the incident.
- Bank statements or transaction details if financial fraud is involved.
Online Reporting
The Indian government has provided an online platform to report cybercrimes:
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Visit the official portal https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/
- Filing a Complaint:
- Click on “Report Other Cyber Crime” or “Report Women/Child Related Crime” based on the nature of the crime.
- Register or log in to the portal.
- Fill in the required details and upload the evidence.
Local Police Station
If you prefer to report the cybercrime in person:
- Visit the Nearest Police Station: Go to the nearest police station with all the collected evidence.
- File an FIR: Request to file a First Information Report (FIR) for the cybercrime.
- Cyber Crime Cells: Many cities have dedicated Cyber Crime Cells. If available, it’s better to visit these specialized units for handling cybercrimes.
Helpline
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also set up a dedicated helpline for reporting cybercrimes:
Cyber Crime Helpline Number: 155260
Reporting to Specific Agencies (Optional)
Depending on the type of cybercrime, you might also consider reporting to specific agencies:
- Financial Fraud: Contact your bank immediately and report the incident. You can also report financial frauds to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Data Theft/Corporate Espionage: Report to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) via their website https://www.cert-in.org.in/
Legal Advice
Consider seeking legal advice, especially if the cybercrime involves significant financial loss or sensitive personal information.
Key Points to Remember:
- Always keep a copy of the complaint and the acknowledgment receipt.
- Follow up with the authorities if there is no response within a reasonable timeframe.
- Stay cautious of further interactions that could be part of phishing or scam attempts.