What is the process of filing a cyber crime complaint in India ?

Anyone can file a complaint for cyber crime. A complaint for cybercrime can be filed at any cyber cell in India irrespective of the place where the act has initially taken place or the place where the victim resides. A complaint of cyber crime can be registered in both online and offline mode.

1. Cyber crime complaint- Offline Process of Filing in India

   The victim of cyber crime can file a written complaint in the nearest cyber crime cell or any cyber crime cell established in India. There is no format that is required to be followed while filing a complaint reporting cyber crime, however there are few things that an offline complaint should contain:

   • The written complaint shall be addressed to the Head of the Cyber crime Cell
   • The complaint should be accompanied with
   • Details about the cyber crime
   • Name of person
   • Contact details
   • Mailing address
   • Relevant documents as evidence
2. Cybercrime complaint- Online Process of Filing in India [1] A complaint of Cyber crime can be registered online on National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal which is a government initiative to facilitate victims to report cyber crime complaints online. Through the portal anyone can report cyber crimes like caters to complaints pertaining to the online Child Pornography, Child Sexual Abuse Material or sexually explicit content like Rape/Gang Rape content and other cybercrimes such as social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes, and online cyber trafficking. One can follow below-mentioned steps to report a cyber-crime online:
   • Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in
   • Go to the Report other cyber-crimes section
   • Proceed and click on File a Complaint option
   • Register your mobile number and fill in other relevant details about the offence
   • Mention about the State or the UT of the victim where the incident took place
   • Then click register and track to complete the filing process
   • Once the complaint is registered the person who filed the complaint will get a confirmation of the same.
3. Whenever one is filing a complaint for cyber crime, it is always recommended to keep evidences related to your complaint. Here are certain documents and materials that can be submitted by one when filing a cyber crime complaint
   • Credit card receipt
   • Bank Statement
   • Brochure/Pamphlet
   • Online money transfer receipt
   • Copy of email
   • URL of webpage
   • Videos
   • Images
   • Screenshots

In case there is no cyber cell established in your city, then one can file an F.I.R at the local police station and if no action is taken then one can approach the Commissioner or the city’s Judicial Magistrate.[2]

[1]https://cybercert.in/how-to-report-crime/

[2]https://cybercert.in/how-to-report-crime/