Filing a Complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell: Step-by-Step Guide

Computers, the internet, data, and digitization have become an integral part of our lives. They have eased our lives through accessibility and convenience. However, it does have a downside to it, i.e. it makes people more at risk to attacks from any part of the world. From telecom hacking to crypto-jacking, cybercrime over the years has become more evolved. Cybercriminals are plaguing the internet, finding new ways to dupe people. Research done by Cybersecurity Ventures evaluates the damage infliction by cybercrime at $6 trillion globally by the end of 2021.

Cybercrime is any criminal activity that involves a computer, networked device, or a network. It can be:
 

Targeted at digital systems (e.g., hacking, malware attacks)

Facilitated through digital systems to commit other crimes (e.g., identity theft, financial fraud)
 

Common types of cybercrime includes hacking and unauthorized access, phishing and financial fraud, ransomware and malware attacks, cyberstalking and cyberbullying, data breaches and identity theft, distribution of illegal content and AI-powered attacks and cyberterrorism.

Common cybercrimes are hacking, phishing, credit card fraud, virus attack, and cyber terrorism. The I.T. Act of India categorically states that a cybercrime complaint can be filed at any cyber cell due to its global jurisdiction.

The first thing a victim of cybercrime must do is register a written complaint with any cybercrime cell across India. The I.T. Act declares cybercrime a part of global jurisdiction so one can approach any cybercrime cell. One can file a cybercrime complaint online at "https://cybercrime.gov.in/" or offline. You can also dial the dedicated cybercrime complaint number announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs at 1930 on a working day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The cybercrime application letter needs to be addressed to the Head of the Cybercrime cell and must clearly state details such as name, email I.D., address, and phone number.

Depending on the nature of the cybercrime, certain documents are required to file the complaint. This requirement varies based on the crime and acts as substantiating proof to support a case.

If your city does not have a cybercrime cell, then you can register an FIR at their local police station. If they do not accept the complaint, the Commissioner or the Judicial Magistrate of the city should be approached.

Steps to file the complaint online:

If you decide to file a cyber crime complaint online, you can follow this:
 

1. Go to the webpage- https://cybercrime.gov.in and click the ‘File a complaint’ button
2. After the terms and conditions on the next page are accepted, proceed to the ‘Report other cybercrime’ button
3. Select the ‘citizen login’ option and enter the important details
4. Enter the OTP, fill in the captcha and click the submit button
5. On the next page, enter details in the form. This section is divided into four parts, preview the information filled in and then submit it
6. You will then be directed to an incident details page. Mention the details and supporting evidence of the crime. C click on ‘Save and Next’
7. The next page requires information about the alleged suspect if you have any
8. Once you have filled in all details, verify it and click submit

Supporting Documents Required Based on the CyberCrime

Email Abuse
 

• A written complaint describing the entire incident
• Copy of the alleged mail from the criminal
• Complete header of the suspected mail
• Hard and soft copies of the email trail mail

Fraudulent financial online transactions or lottery scams or ATM transactions, Fake calls, Internet banking
 

• Bank statement copies of last six months
• Alleged fraudulent transactions to be highlighted
• Proof of phishing SMS received or alleged deceitful email chain
• Copy of address proof and I.D. Proof as per bank records

Data theft complaints
 

• Copy of the stolen data along with its copyright certificate
• Details of the employee/ employees who have allegedly stolen the data
• Letter of appointment and NDA with the suspected employee.

If the cybercrime entails financial fraud related to Bajaj Finserv, such as an impostor pretending to be a Bajaj employee, phishing, or credit card theft, reach out to us immediately at https://www.bajajfinserv.in/reach-us. Similarly, if you have another financial services provider, inform them about the incident, along with taking the required steps at the Cyber Crime cell.
https://cybersecurityventures.com/annual-cybercrime-report-2020/

Savdhaan Rahein. Safe Rahein.