How To File Cyber Crime Complaints

How to File Cyber Crime Complaints?

Hacking is now widespread, and cybercrime in India is increasing quickly. Numerous government websites have been hacked and remain insecure today. Cyberstalking, pornography, morphing, online harassment, libellous or unpleasant comments, trolling or bullying, blackmail, threat or intimidation, email spoofing, impersonation, etc. are among the most common and often reported cybercrimes against women. Therefore, it is essential to know when and how to report cybercrime, as well as what preventative actions you can take.

What is Cyber crime?

Simply put, cyber crimes in India are wrongdoings or offences committed using technology. There is no formal definition of cybercrime, however it is a white-collar crime when any illicit or criminal conduct occurs using a computer as the principal method of operation.

How to register a Cyber Crime Complaint?

The crime investigation team is constructing numerous cybercrime cells in various Indian cities to handle cybercrime reports and investigations. Currently, the majority of cities in India have a cybercrime cell. You can file a complaint at any moment, offline or online, with the cyber police or the department of criminal investigation. The first and most crucial step in punishing cybercrime is to make a formal complaint. You must register a written complaint with any jurisdiction’s cybercrime cell. In the written complaint, you must provide your name, contact information, and postal address. The written complaint must be addressed to the Head of the Cyber Crime Cell in the city where the cyber crime complaint is being filed.

According to the IT Act, a cyber crime falls under worldwide jurisdiction, which implies that a cybercrime complaint can be filed with any of India’s cyber cells, regardless of where the crime was originally committed or where the victim is now residing or staying.

How to report an FIR for a Cyber Crime?

You can register a First Information Report (FIR) at the local police station if you do not have access to any of India’s cyber cells. You can appeal to the Commissioner or the city’s Judicial Magistrate if your complaint is not accepted there.

Several cybercrime offences are covered by the IPC. You can file a cybercrime FIR report at the nearest local police station. Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code mandates that every police officer record the information or complaint of an offence, regardless of the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed.

Procedure for filing a cybercrime complaint: offline cybercrime cell

It has been determined that submitting a written complaint to the cybercrime cell is the most acceptable method of recording a crime, as some individuals still cannot pay the costs of the internet or lack the necessary understanding. A cybercrime victim may register a written complaint with the cybercrime cell closest to them or with any other cybercrime cell established in India. The written complaint must be submitted to the Chief of the Cybercrime Cell and include the following details about the victim or complainant: Name, contact information, and postal address.

Depending on the nature of the cybercrime committed against the victim, additional papers must be attached to the complaint. It is required to attach these files to both the offline and online complaint.

How do I file a cybercrime complaint online?

The online portal where a victim can file a cyber crime complaint is Cyber complaint portal, a Government of India initiative that caters to complaints regarding online child pornography (CP), child sexual abuse material (CSAM), or sexually explicit content such as rape or gang rape (CP/RGR) content, and other cyber crimes such as social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes, and The portal also offers an anonymous reporting option for child pornography (CP) or sexually explicit content, such as rape or gang rape (RGR) content. To report a cyber crime online, one might take the following steps:

STEP 1: Go to https://cyber crime.gov.in/Accept.aspx

STEP 2: Click on ‘Report other cyber crimes’ on the menu.

STEP 3: Click on ‘File a Complaint’.

STEP 4: Read the conditions and accept them.

STEP 5: Register your mobile number and fill in your name and State.

STEP 6: Fill in the relevant details about the offence.

Note: You can also report the offence anonymously.

Format of a Cyber Crime Complaint:

There is no distinct format for submitting a cybercrime complaint. You are required to compose a letter outlining every aspect of the crime and submit it to the nearest police station or cyber cell. Name, mailing address, and telephone number are required, along with a cover letter addressed to the head of a cyber crime investigation cell and any relevant attachments.

How to file a complaint against Cyber Stalking?

Cyberstalking is the constant use of the internet, e-mail, social networks, instant messaging, or other digital devices to annoy, harass, or threaten another individual. Prior to the modification in February 2013, there was no particular statute against it; it now falls under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013.

A person can be prosecuted with stalking under Section 354(d) if he follows a lady and seeks to initiate personal contact with her despite her disinclination. A person is also guilty of stalking if he watches a woman’s use of the Internet, email, or any other kind of electronic communication.

Filing a complaint against Cyber Stalking:

Register a written complaint to your immediate cyber cell in the city.
File an F.I.R. in the local police station. In case of non-acceptance of your complaint, you can always refer the complaint to the commissioner or judicial magistrate of the city.
A legal counsel/assistance to help you file a case will be provided to you.

How to file a complaint about Cyber Bullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying carried out via digital means such as computers, laptops, cellphones, and tablets, and it results in humiliation. It also includes posting, transmitting, or spreading derogatory, malicious, or false material about another person with the intent to cause humiliation, which is frequently referred to as “character assassination.”

Most social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter, have clear reporting and anti-cyberbullying policies. Such platforms can assist you in removing the objectionable content.
In addition, you can report cyberbullying in India by sending an email to complaint-mwcd@gov.in detailing the incident.
You can also file a complaint with the cybercell unit closest to you.

What to do if your Cyber Cell refuses to accept your complaint?

If the cyber cell declines to submit or accept your cyber complaint, you can file a straight appeal with the local Judicial Magistrate indicating that the complaint was not accepted under any or particular grounds.

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

Following are the documents required to file a Cyber Crime complaint

For Email Based Complaints:

A written complaint explaining the complete incidence and offence,
Copy of the alleged Email taken from the original receiver. Copy of the forwarded email should be avoided.
Full Header of the alleged Email.
Copy of email and header should be in both hard & soft forms (in CD-R only).

For Social Media Based Complaints:

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

For Mobile App-Based Complaints:

A screenshot of the alleged app,
The location from where it was downloaded,
The victim’s bank statements in case any transactions were made after/before/during the incident

Soft copies of all the above- mentioned documents

For Business Email Based Complaints:

A written brief about the offense and the incident,
Originating name (as in the email or offender) and location,
Originating bank name and account number (as per the email),
Recipient’s name (as in bank records), bank account number and bank location (not mandatory),
Date and amount of transaction as done,
SWIFT number,
Additional Information (if available) – including “FFC”- For Further Credit; “FAV” – In Favor Of.

For Data Theft Complaints:

A copy of the stolen data and brief,
The copyright certificate of the allegedly stolen data,
Details of the suspected employee/(s),
The following documents are required in relation to the suspected employee(s):
- Letter of Appointment,
- Non-disclosure Agreement,
- Assigned list of duty and gadgets,
- List of clients that the suspect handles,
The proof of breach of your copyright data,
Devices used by the accused during his/her term of service (only if available) with the company.

For Ransomware/Malware Complaints:

Email id /phone number (or any details) or any other means of communication through which ransom has been demanded,
If malware was sent in the attachment of the mail, screenshots of the mail with full header of first receiver be provided.

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

Bank statement of the concerned bank for the last six months,
A copy of the SMS/(s) received related to the suspected transactions,
Copy of the victim’s ID & address proof as per the bank record.

For Net Banking/ATM Complaints:

A print out of the alleged emails with its complete header as received by the original receiver (forwarded emails should be avoided),
Victim’s bank statement,
Details of the suspected transactions,
Soft copies of all the aforesaid 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 the bitcoins has been done.

Cyber crime against Women & Children

As cybercrime has increased, the most vulnerable members of society, namely women and children, have been targeted. Cyberstalking, pornography, morphing, online harassment, trolling, and bullying, threats and intimidation, and email spoofing are the most common and often reported types of cybercrimes committed against women. The dissemination of pedophilic movies and communications, child pornography, and other forms of paedophilia are examples of cybercrime against children. Rapes and child pornography are now among the most popular search results for pornographic websites. In addition, some online social games, such as Blue Whale, have resulted in the terrible deaths of numerous innocent adolescents.

What are the Consequences of Cyber Crime?

Because the victim must bear the repercussions of cybercrime, it is crucial to understand how to report cybercrime.

Revenue Loss – Cybercrime committed against a corporation results in significant revenue or income loss, especially when sensitive data and information are compromised.
Reputational Harm – When an organization’s data is hacked, its reputation might suffer. When bank accounts or credit/debit cards are compromised, people frequently lose faith in the company.
Consequences of Cyber Terrorism – Cyber terrorism is one of the most serious cyber crimes, and as such, it has a negative impact on the victims, as it impacts a huge number of people simultaneously. It can significantly undermine a country’s economy, robbing it of its resources and rendering it more susceptible to military invasion. It could have an effect on the economy due to the money lost during the downtime, which is a cyber crime tactic.
Impact on Society and Government – Since computers have replaced manual labour in nearly every industry and the government is also going digital, cyber crime also has an effect on society and the government. A case in point is when a group of youthful hackers hacked the Maharashtra government website. This has become a cost-effective tool for crooks to make money.

List of Cyber Crime Cells in India

Place	Address
Assam	CID HQ, Dy.SP. Assam Police Ph: +91-361-252-618, +91-9435045242 E-mail: ssp_cod@assampolice.com
Bangalore	Cyber Crime Police Station C.O.D Headquarters, Carlton House, # 1, Palace Road, Bangalore – 560 001 +91-80-2220 1026 +91-80-2294 3050 +91-80-2238 7611 (FAX)
Delhi	CBI Cyber Crime Cell: Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime Investigation Cell Central Bureau of Investigation, 5th Floor, Block No.3, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 3 +91-11-4362203, +91-11-4392424 E-Mail: cbiccic@bol.net.in
Pune	Deputy Commissioner of Police(Crime) Office of the Commissioner Office, 2, Sadhu Vaswani Road, Camp, Pune 411001 +91-20-26123346, +91-20-26127277, +91-20-2616 5396 +91-20-2612 8105 (Fax) E-Mail: crimecomp.pune@nic.in, punepolice@vsnl.com
Jharkhand	IG-CID, Organized Crime Rajarani Building, Doranda Ranchi, 834002 Ph: +91-651-2400 737/ 738 E-mail: a.gupta@jharkhandpolice.gov.in
Haryana	Cyber Crime and Technical Investigation Cell, Joint Commissioner of Police Old S.P.Office complex, Civil Lines, Gurgaon E-mail: jtcp.ggn@hry.nic.in
Jammu	SSP, Crime CPO Complex, Panjtirthi, Jammu-180004 Ph: +91-191-257-8901 E-mail: sspcrmjmu-jk@nic.in
Meghalaya	SCRB, Superintendent of Police Meghalaya Ph: +91 98630 64997 E-mail: scrb-meg@nic.in
Bihar	Cyber Crime Investigation Unit ADDL. SP (CYBER CELL), Kotwali Police Station, Patna Ph: +91 8986912829 E-mail: cciu-bih@nic.in
Chennai	Assistant Commissioner of Police Cyber Crime Cell, Central Crime Branch, Commissioner office Campus Vepery, Chennai- 600007 Contact Details: +91-40-2345 2348, 2345 2350
For Rest of Tamil Nadu,	Cyber Crime Cell, CB, CID, Chennai ph: +91 44 2250 2512 E-mail id: cbcyber@tn.nic.in
Hyderabad	Cyber Crime Police Station Crime Investigation Department, 3rd Floor, D.G.P. office, Lakdikapool, Hyderabad – 500004 +91-40-2324 0663, +91-40-2785 2274 +91-40-2785 2040, +91-40-2329 7474 (Fax)
Thane	3rd Floor, Police Commissioner Office Near Court Naka, Thane West, Thane 400601. +91-22-25424444, E-Mail: police@thanepolice.org
Gujarat	DIG, CID, Crime, and Railways Fifth Floor, Police Bhavan Sector 18, Gandhinagar 382 018 +91-79-2325 4384, +91-79-2325 0798 +91-79-2325 3917 (Fax)
Madhya Pradesh	IGP, Cyber Cell, Police Radio Headquarters Campus, Bhadadhadaa Road, Bhopal (M.P.) Ph: 0755-2770248, 2779510
Mumbai	Cyber Crime Investigation Cell Office of Commissioner of Police office, Annex -3 Building, 1st floor, Near Crawford Market, Mumbai-01. +91-22-22630829, +91-22-22641261 E-mail id: officer@cybercellmumbai.com
Himachal Pradesh	CID Cyber Cell, Superintendent of Police, cyber crime, State CID, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla-2 Ph: 0177-2621714 Ext: 191, 0177-2627955 E-mail:cybercrcell-hp@nic.in, Online Complaint
Kerala	Hitech Cell Police Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram +91-471 272 1547, +91-471 272 2768 E-mail: hitechcell@keralapolice.gov.in
Orissa	Cyber Crime Police Station, CID, CB, Odisha, Cuttack-753001 Ph. No.0671-2305485 E-mail ID:- sp1cidcb.orpol@nic.in
Punjab	Cyber Crime Police Station DSP cyber crime, S.A.S Nagar, Patiala, Punjab Ph: +91 172 2748 100
Uttar Pradesh	Cyber Crime Cell, Agra Range 7, Kutchery Road, Baluganj, Agra-232001 Uttar Pradesh Ph:+91-562-2210551 e-mail: digraga@up.nic.in, cybercrimeag-up@nic.in Cyber Crime Cell, Crime Branch, Law Enforcement Agency, Police Line, Agra – 282001

How Slack Cyber Crime Assocation Assists with Cyber Crime Investigations?

Several law enforcement agencies have received assistance from the Slack Cyber Crime Association in their investigations of cyber crimes like as online cheating, data theft, bitcoin frauds, debit and credit card frauds, etc. It can also be contacted for criminal investigations and assistance with cyber vulnerabilities and cybersecurity by corporations and individuals.

If you or a member of your family have been the unlucky victims of a cyber crime, be sure to follow the above steps to submit a cyber crime FIR or complaint in India. And for everything else, the Slack Cyber Crime Association is constantly by your side!

DISCLAIMER:The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only. The article was written using information extracted from government websites and, to the best of our knowledge, is accurate. You should not, however, rely on the content or information on this blog to make any business, legal, or other decisions. Slack Cyber Crime Association is not liable for any inaccuracies or discrepancies in the validity of this information, despite our best efforts to keep it current and accurate. If you intend to rely on or use the information in any way, it is your responsibility to independently verify it. You rely solely at your own risk on any information we provide. For assistance with filing cybercrime complaints, please contact your local police station or visit the respective state’s official website.

How To File Cyber Crime Complaints