How to File a Cyber Crime or Online Fraud Complaint with the

Police in India
Overview: Cybercrime and fraud in the digital ageToday, cybercrimes and online frauds are on
the rise in the digital age. As digital payments, online banking and e-commerce have
proliferated, so too have scams, identity theft and other internet-borne offenses, leaving
individuals more at risk than ever. For the victim, they need to know how to make a police
complaint online if they are to fall victim to such crimes, as well as what are their legal rights.
Today we explain the step-by-step process to get your cybercrime complaint lodged in India
and how can guidance from professionals like Lawchef help.

What You Need to Know about Cybercrime and Online Fraud

Cybercrime is any crime that is directed at a computer or a computer network. Examples of
cybercrime include hacking, phishing, data theft, financial fraud, identity theft, cyberbullying,
etc. There, online fraud refers to all fraudulent activities done through the internet including fake
job postings, online shopping scams, OTP fraud, credit card skimming, investment fraud, etc.
Impacts of Cybercrime’s Effects on Mankind Victims of cybercrime become powerless since the
criminals behind the crime are unknown or work from another place. But the law in India already
has proper mechanisms of redressal. The Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Indian
Penal Code, 1860, are relevant to cybercrimes and related offenses.

Law and Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction, particularly in cybercrime, is unique in that the offense transcends physical
boundaries. Nonetheless, victims will be able to register a police complaint at any cyber cell,
regardless of where the accused resides. The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 requires the
police to file an FIR for a cognizable offense under section 154. In the case of non cognizable
offenses, the police may, in the first instance, carry out a preliminary inquiry.
The Information Technology Act has various legal provisions pertaining to the above issues such
as hacking (Section 66), identity theft (Section 66C), cheating by personation using computer
resources (Section 66D), and publishing obscene material online (Section 67). The Indian Penal
Code adds to these with offences relating to cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal
intimidation.

How to File an Online Police Complaint

The Indian government has implemented a dedicated portal for people to report cybercrimes in
an easy and straightforward manner, and also allowing anyone to register a complaint from the
comfort of their own home. Here’s how to file an online police complaint regarding cybercrime:
1. 2Visit official cybercrime portal
URL- www.cybercrime.gov.in→ National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal The Ministry of Home
Affairs has also created this portal, where complaints of cyber offences can also be reported.
2. Register Your Complaint
Its homepage will have two main sections, one is “Report Women/Child Related Crime” and
second is “Report Other Cyber Crime”. Select the option that suits best for your complain. For
example, if you have had issues with online banking fraud, phishing, or identity theft, select the
second option.
Once you select the appropriate category, enter the mobile number and create an OTP. After
verification you can now fill in the mobs complaint.
3. Enter Accurate Details
Fill out the online complaint form thoroughly and accurately. This includes:
Your contact details (name, contact, email, address)
Information related to the incident (type of crime, time, date, suspected origin)
This is the evidence (screenshots, transaction receipts, chat history)
What evidence to you need to provide to the police? Attach all evidence related to the cybercrime
to assist law enforcement in investigating the matter.
4. Track Your Complaint
After submission, you will be provided with a complaint reference number. You'll need this
number to get updates on your complaint or contact any authorities in the future.
5. Visit Your Local Police Station or Cyber Cell to File a Complaint
Apart from the online portal, you may also approach your closest police station or specialized
cyber cell. Some states and cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have cybercrime units
devoted to digital crimes. You can make a written complaint and if the offence is cognizable, the
police are obliged to register an FIR.

Why you need Legal Help and how Lawchef helps.

While filing a police complaint for cybercrime seems simple, it can be tricky, and a lot of times
there is a technicality, or a jurisdictional challenge, or it is simply the police force that is not
cooperating. In such instances, having a professional lawyer is the best way to be sure that your
complaint is drafted correctly and in a way that would be legally admissible.
Lawchef is a legal-tech platform that provides assistance from experienced professionals if you
need help with cybercrime. If you need to file an online police complaint want to follow up from
the police, or file a legal notice – Lawchef can connect you with experienced lawyers for police
complaints who will guide you throughout the process.
Achieving this involves everything from creating a formal, legal complaint to documenting and
representing you in front of the police or a cyber cell — making certain your complaint cannot
be legally dismissed. 11. Their legal professionals are as versed on the intricacies of the cyber
law as they are, but they can also guide you in your civil or criminal actions against the
offenders, where necessary.

Precautions and Preventive Measures

Knowing how to lodge a cybercrime complaint is important, but taking preventive steps is more
so. Never provide OTPs, password, or bank details on phone or email. Frequent checks of your
bank accounts and credit reports. Create strong, unique passwords, and ensure your devices are
updated with antivirus software.
Do not click on any suspicious link or message you get. If any amount has been stolen or if you
fall prey to any online scam, then file a report with CERT-In (the Indian Computer Emergency
Response Team.

Conclusion
Cybercrime is on the rise, but victims can pursue justice with the right information and tools.
The Indian legal system through its online complaint portals and cyber cells offers accessible
legal remedies to the complainant. However, consulting a lawyer for police complaint is quite
necessary to ensure a systematic approach. To take legal action with confidence and ease, you
need the guidance and support of a platform like Lawchef.
Report any suspicious activity or fraud immediately! Regardless of whether you file an online
police complaint or visit the police station, it is crucial to consider that the sooner you take
action, the better – preventing further damage to yourself and your reputation by pursuing
justice.