With cyber frauds and online crimes increasing across India, knowing how to report a cybercrime is more important than ever. Whether you have lost money to an online scam, faced cyber harassment, or had your personal data misused, you can report the incident through cybercrime.gov.in, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal of the Government of India.
This guide by Naksh Foundation walks you through the exact process, step by step, so you can act quickly and confidently.
Cybercrimes that can be reported on cybercrime.gov.in
Before filing a complaint, it helps to know what falls under cybercrime. Common examples include:
| Category of Crime | Sub-Category of Crime |
|---|
| Online and Social Media Related Crime | • Cheating by Impersonation • Cyber Bullying / Stalking / Sexting • E-Mail Phishing • Fake/Impersonating Profile • Impersonating Email • Intimidating Email • Online Job Fraud • Online Matrimonial Fraud • Profile Hacking/ Identity Theft • Provocative Speech for unlawful acts |
| Online Financial Fraud | • Aadhar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) • Business Email Compromise/Email Takeover • Debit/Credit Card Fraud/Sim Swap Fraud • Demat/Depository Fraud • E-Wallet Related Fraud • Fraud Call/Vishing • Internet Banking Related Fraud • UPI Related Frauds |
| Hacking / Damage to computer,computer system etc. | • Damage to computer, computer systems etc. • Email Hacking • Tampering with computer source documents • Unauthorised Access/Data Breach • Website Defacement/Hacking |
| Online Cyber Trafficking | • Online Trafficking |
| Online Gambling / Betting | • Online Gambling / Betting |
| Ransomware | • Ransomware |
| Cryptocurrency Crime | • Cryptocurrency Fraud |
| Cyber Terrorism | • Cyber Terrorism |
| Any Other Cyber Crime | • Other |
Step-by-Step: How to Report Cybercrime in India using cybercrime.gov.in
Step 1: Visit the national cybercrime reporting portal
The Government of India operates the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. This is the official, centralised platform where any citizen can file a cybercrime complaint online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Go to: www.cybercrime.gov.in and click “File a Complaint”.
Step 2: Choose the right category on cybercrime.gov.in
The portal has two main complaint categories:
- Women/Child Related Crimes- for cases involving sexual exploitation, child pornography, or crimes targeting women. This section provides two options: Report Cybercrime Anonymously and Report & Track Your Complaint.
- Financial Frauds- Broadly speaking, this option can be used if you have been scammed and have lost money.
- Other Cyber Crimes- for hacking, identity theft, harassment, and all other cyber offences.
Step 3: Register yourself on cybercrime.gov.in
Choose “Other Cybercrime” and click on “Register Your Complaint.” Once you click on it, you will see the option to “File a Complaint.” Accept the terms and conditions, then create a login ID and password to access the portal.
Step 4: Fill in the Complaint Form
Once you have created your user ID and password, log in to the portal using your credentials. Provide all the relevant details requested, such as
- Date and time of the incident
- Nature of the crime (e.g., fraud, harassment, hacking)
- Details of the accused (if known) – username, phone number, email, URL
- Financial loss (if applicable) – exact amount and transaction IDs
- Supporting evidence – screenshots, email headers, bank statements, chat records
Step 5: Submit and Note Your Complaint Number
Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement. Keep this safe, you can use it to track the status of your complaint.
Step 6: Contact the Cyber Cell Directly (If Urgent)
If your complaint involves an active financial fraud, for instance, you have just transferred money to a scammer call the National Cybercrime Helpline immediately:
Call 1930 (Toll-Free, 24×7) to report financial cyber fraud and attempt recovery of funds.
For cases involving threats to life, sexual exploitation, or child safety, visit your nearest police station and file an FIR alongside the online complaint.
What Happens After You File a Complaint?
After submission, your complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), it will be forwarded to the nearest Cyber Police Station for further action. You will receive the details of the Investigating Officer (IO) assigned to your case. You may contact the IO directly for updates or any additional information related to your complaint. If the complaint is complete and actionable, it is registered as an FIR under the relevant sections of the IT Act, 2000 and the BNS. You may be contacted for additional information or asked to visit the cyber cell in person.
Response time varies by state and the seriousness of the crime. Financial frauds especially those reported within 6 hours via 1930 have the highest chance of fund recovery.
Tips to Strengthen Your Complaint
- Act fast- the sooner you report, the better the chances of tracing the accused or recovering funds
- Preserve all evidence DO NOT delete messages, emails, or transaction records
- Take screenshots before blocking the offender
- Do not modify, crop, or alter any image or video to preserve the original hash value and maintain the integrity of the digital evidence
- Note down any phone numbers, account numbers, or usernames involved
- If money was transferred, immediately call your bank and the 1930 helpline
Naksh Foundation Can Help
If you are unsure how to file a complaint, or if the process feels overwhelming, Naksh Foundation’s volunteers are trained to assist cybercrime victims across India. Through Project CyberShield, we conduct free awareness workshops and provide guidance to individuals who need help navigating the legal system.
Get Help: Visit our contact page naksh.org or email hello@naksh.org for guidance on filing your cybercrime complaint.