How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint Online in India: A Complete Guide (2025)

As India’s digital footprint expands, so does the risk of cyber threats. From financial fraud and identity theft to social media abuse and hacking, cyber crimes are increasing at an alarming pace. Fortunately, the Government of India has created a centralized online system that enables citizens to report cyber crimes efficiently.

This guide provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on how to file a cyber crime complaint online in India, what documents are needed, and what to expect during the process.

What is a Cyber Crime?

Cyber crime refers to any illegal activity conducted through digital devices or the internet. These crimes are executed with the intention to harm individuals, steal confidential data, commit fraud, or disrupt digital systems.

Examples of common cyber crimes include:

• Online banking and UPI fraud

• Phishing and fake job scams

• Identity theft

• Cyberstalking or online harassment

• Ransomware and hacking

• Social media account impersonation

Cyber crimes are prosecutable under various laws in India, especially the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Why You Should Report Cyber Crimes

Every cyber crime incident, no matter how small, should be reported. Timely reporting can help:

• Prevent further losses or misuse of personal data

• Assist law enforcement in tracking cyber criminals

• Safeguard others from falling prey to similar crimes

• Restore public trust in digital platforms

The Indian government has made it possible for citizens to lodge cyber complaints quickly and easily through its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Who Can File a Cyber Crime Complaint in India?

Any individual—whether a victim or a witness—can file a complaint. This includes:

• Adults and minors (minors must be represented by a parent/guardian)

• Organizations or institutions affected by cyber breaches

• Anonymous complainants (only for crimes against women or children)

Complaints can be filed either online or by visiting the nearest cyber crime police station or cyber cell.

Online Portal for Reporting Cyber Crimes: cybercrime.gov.in

The official platform for lodging online cyber crime complaints in India is:
cyber crime cell

Launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this portal allows users to:

• Report cyber crimes related to women and children

• File complaints regarding online financial fraud

• Register complaints about other general cyber offences

The platform supports multilingual access and works nationwide across all states and union territories.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint Online in India

Here’s how you can file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to cyber crime cell . Click on “File a Complaint” at the top-right corner of the homepage.

Step 2: Choose Complaint Category

Select one of the two main options:

• Report Crime Related to Women/Child

• Report Other Cyber Crime

Crimes involving financial fraud, identity theft, or hacking should be reported under “Other Cyber Crime.”

Step 3: Accept Terms and Conditions

Carefully read the provided instructions. Click “Accept & Proceed” to move forward.

Step 4: Choose How You Want to File

You can either:

• Register/Login for tracking complaint status

• Report as a Guest for quick, one-time submissions

• Report Anonymously (limited to women and child-related offences)

Creating a user account is advisable for complaint tracking.

Step 5: Fill Out the Complaint Form

Provide the following information:

• Complainant’s full name, address, mobile number, and email ID

• Details of the incident (nature, time, platform used, description)

• Suspect details, if known

• Attachments: images, chat logs, bank transaction details, or other evidence

Step 6: Submit and Save Your Complaint ID

After submitting, you’ll receive an acknowledgment reference number to track the status. Save it for future communication.

Required Documents and Evidence

To strengthen your case, keep these documents handy:

• Screenshots of emails, chats, or social media posts

• Bank account statements or UPI transaction IDs

• Suspect phone numbers or email IDs

• Device IP addresses (if possible)

• Links to fraudulent websites or profiles

• Any recorded calls or audio proof

Note: Do not edit or alter any evidence. Original files are preferred for investigation.

How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint Offline

If internet access is an issue or you prefer face-to-face interaction, you can file a complaint at your nearest police station or cyber crime cell.

Steps:

1. Write a formal complaint letter describing the incident in detail

2. Carry valid photo ID proof (like Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)

3. Submit evidence in printed or digital form

4. Request a receiving copy or acknowledgment with the officer’s seal

You can also dial 1930, India’s national cyber fraud helpline, for immediate action, especially in financial fraud cases.

What Happens After Filing the Complaint?

Once a complaint is submitted:

• It is forwarded to the concerned police station or cyber cell in your jurisdiction

• A preliminary inquiry may be conducted

• If credible, a formal FIR (First Information Report) is registered

• The case may involve bank coordination, technical tracking, or inter-agency investigation

Note that resolution times vary depending on the complexity and location of the incident.

Best Practices to Stay Safe from Cyber Crime

Digital safety starts with awareness. Here are a few preventive tips:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all important accounts

• Don’t share OTPs, passwords, or personal data on calls or messages

• Use antivirus software and firewall protection

• Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading unverified attachments

• Verify sender credentials before sharing information or making payments

• Educate children and elders about online etiquette and scams

What If the Crime is International?

If you’ve fallen victim to an international scam or foreign hacking attempt, still file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. The Indian cyber crime cell can coordinate with:

• Interpol

• Embassies or foreign law enforcement agencies

• Global cybersecurity agencies

Final Thoughts

The process of filing a cyber crime complaint online in India is straightforward and crucial to ensuring justice and digital safety. Whether you’ve been a victim of online fraud, data theft, or harassment, don’t hesitate to report it. With platforms like cybercrime.gov.in and the helpline 1930, the Government of India is working actively to combat cyber threats.

Take action early. A few clicks can protect you—and countless others—from becoming the next target.

FAQs: Filing Cyber Crime Complaints in India

Q1. Is it mandatory to visit the police station after filing online?
Not always. However, for serious cases or follow-ups, the cyber cell may ask for in-person verification.

Q2. Can I track my complaint status?
Yes, if you registered using an account on the portal. Use the complaint ID to check updates.

Q3. How long does it take to resolve a complaint?
Resolution times vary—simple fraud cases may take weeks, while complex hacking cases can take longer.

Q4. Is there a deadline for reporting cyber crime?
No fixed deadline, but immediate reporting increases the chances of catching the culprit or freezing transactions.

Q5. Is cybercrime.gov.in available 24/7?
Yes, the portal is accessible 24/7, and the national helpline (1930) is also active daily.