Cybercrime is related to crimes which either take place online or where technology is a means and/or target for the attack.
Today, the world is experiencing a drastic growth in cyberspace and cybercrime during the pandemic further compounds the problem.
Cybercrime is related to crimes which either take place online or where technology is a means and/or target for the attack. This is one of the fastest-growing criminal activities across the world, which can affect both individuals and businesses.
Cases of cyber-crime in India are registered under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Cybercrimes can be reported from any location irrespective of where the offence is committed as there are Cyber Nodal officers designated in almost every corner of the country.
This article will help you to register a cybercrime complaint online.
Type of cybercrimes you can report
- Report Women/Child related crime: Under this section, you can report complaints on online child pornography (CP), sexually explicit content such as rape/gang rape (CP/RGR) content or child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
- Report other Cyber Crimes: Under this selection, you can report complaints about cybercrimes related to mobile crimes, online financial frauds, hacking, online and social media crimes, online cyber trafficking and cryptocurrency crimes.
Two ways to register a complaint under “report crime related to women/child”:
- Report anonymously: Your personal information will not be disclosed. Information related to the complaint should be precise and complete for the police authorities to take necessary action.
- Report and Track: Under this preference, field marked with a red asterisk (*) are compulsory which includes information such as your name, contact number, email address, details of the complaint and necessary information supporting the complaint.
Steps to lodge an online complaint about cybercrimes
Step 1: The very first step is to open up the website - https://cybercrime.gov.in/
Step 2: As you open the website, you can notice the following two options next to the home button-
- Report Women/Child related Crime
- Report Other Cyber Crime
You can click this button based on your complaint
Step 3: Upon clicking, you will find an option of
- Report anonymously
- Report and Track
If you want to hide your identity `report anonymously’ can be opted otherwise, you have to choose the `report and track’ button.
Step 4: Next, the user has to select `File a complaint, and I accept’ button to move forward. You have to read the conditions and accept them.
Step 5: Register your mobile number and fill in your name and state.
Step 6: After successfully logging in to the page, you can choose your respective area and register a complaint. Fill in the relevant details about the offence.
How to track the complaint?
You will receive a unique number for your reference as soon as you register the complaint on the website. Further communication regarding the investigation will be done through this unique number. The status of the complaint can be tracked using this number.
How to register a complaint via an email?
The Ministry of Women and Child development created a hotline complaint- mwcd@gov.in to report online bullying and abuse.
An email can also be sent to security officers on their respective email ID to register a complaint. The full list is here: https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/Crime_NodalGrivanceList.aspx
The `Contact Us’ section of `cybercrime.gov.in’ website also provides a PDF file with the email ID and contact number of the nodal officers.
Helpline Number
The Ministry of Home Affairs initiated a toll-free helpline number- 155260 which is available on working days from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm.
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