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Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting Cybercrime on India’s National Portal

Today, cybercrime has become an unfortunate reality of the digital landscape, affecting individuals, businesses, and organisations alike. The Government of India has established the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) to address the growing need for a robust mechanism to tackle such incidents. The platform empowers victims to report cybercrimes easily and seek timely assistance. Here’s a detailed guide on how to register a complaint on the portal.

Why Reporting Cybercrimes is Critical

Cybercrimes such as financial frauds, identity thefts, and harassment are on the rise. It’s more important than ever to be vigilant and know how to report such crimes. By utilising the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, you are not just protecting yourself but contributing to a safer online environment for others too.

Key Benefits of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

  • Accessibility for All: The portal ensures that anyone with internet access can report cybercrimes, regardless of technical expertise.
  • Faster Resolution: Complaints are quickly routed to the relevant authorities, speeding up the resolution process and minimising delays.
  • Government’s Commitment to Digital Safety: This platform reflects the government’s dedication to improving digital security and protecting citizens from cyber threats.

Categories of Cybercrimes You Can Report

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal allows you to report various types of cybercrimes, including:

  • Crimes Against Women and Children: Harassment, cyberstalking, child pornography, and more.
  • Financial Frauds: Phishing, unauthorised online transactions, and UPI-related scams.
  • Other Cybercrimes: Hacking, identity theft, data breaches, and similar offences.

Preparing to File a Complaint

Before filing a complaint, gather all the necessary details and evidence. Here’s what you need:

Mandatory Information:

1. Incident Details:

  • Date and time of the incident.
  • A detailed description (minimum 200 characters, without special characters like #$@^*).

2. Complainant’s ID Proof:

  • Soft copy of a national ID (e.g., Voter ID, Driving Licence, Passport, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card) in .jpeg, .jpg, or .png format (file size not exceeding 5 MB).

3. Financial Fraud-Specific Information (if applicable):

  • Name of the bank, wallet, or merchant involved.
  • Transaction ID/UTR number (12 digits).
  • Date of the transaction.
  • Fraudulent amount.

4. Supporting Evidence:

  • Relevant documents, screenshots, or other proofs (file size up to 10 MB each).

Optional/Desirable Information:

1. Suspected website URLs or social media handles (if applicable).

2. Suspect details, such as:

  • Mobile number
  • Email ID
  • Bank account number
  • Address
  • Photograph of the suspect in .jpeg, .jpg, or .png format (up to 5 MB)
  • Any other identifying document

Steps to Register a Complaint

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

  • Visit the Official Website and select your preferred language (English or Hindi).

Step 2: Choose the Relevant Category

On the homepage, choose the appropriate category for your complaint:

  • Women/Child-Related Crimes
  • Financial Fraud
  • Other Cybercrimes

Step 3: Register or Log In

New Users:

  • Click on “New User” to create an account
  • Provide your state, login ID (as preferably email ID), and mobile number
  • Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your mobile number
  • Complete registration by clicking “Submit”.

Existing Users:

  • Log in using your registered login ID and mobile number.

Step 4: Fill in the Complaint Form

  • Provide accurate details of the incident
  • Upload relevant evidence, such as screenshots, documents, or links
  • Include your contact details for further communication.

Step 5: Submit Your Complaint

  • Review the information provided
  • Click “Submit” to complete the process
  • You will receive an acknowledgment number upon successful submission.

Tracking Your Complaint

To track the status of your complaint, log in to the portal, navigate to the "Track Complaint" section, and enter your acknowledgment number.

Real-Life Examples: How victims can report cybercrime using the portal

Hypothetical Case Study: Ravi, a small business owner, fell victim to an online payment scam. He noticed an unauthorized transaction from his account. Ravi quickly accessed the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, reported the incident, and uploaded supporting documents like transaction details and screenshots of the fraudulent activity. Within days, law enforcement took action, and the money was recovered. Ravi was kept informed through regular updates from the portal, which helped him regain his trust in the digital ecosystem.

Takeaway: Whether you’re facing financial fraud, harassment, or any other cybercrime, the portal ensures a streamlined process to report and resolve issues efficiently.

Tips for Filing a Successful Complaint

  • Be Clear and Honest: Provide accurate details and avoid overstating the facts.
  • Keep Evidence Safe: Ensure all evidence remains unchanged and is easy to access.
  • Act Fast: Report financial fraud quickly to increase recovery chances.
  • Check Your Details: Double-check all the entered information before submission.
  • Provide Contact Info: Ensure your contact details are correct for easy follow-up.

Cyber Safety Tips for Secure Banking

Stay one step ahead of cyber threats by following these simple yet effective banking safety tips.

  • Create Strong and Unique Passwords: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
  • Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by enabling 2FA for your online banking accounts.
  • Double-Check Links and Emails: Be cautious of suspicious emails or links; verify their authenticity before clicking.
  • Update Your Devices Regularly: Keep your software and security systems up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
  • Track Your Bank Statements: Regularly check your bank statements to catch any unauthorized transactions early. 
  • Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Banking: Don’t access your bank accounts while being connected to public Wi-Fi to minimize the risk of data theft.
National Cybercrime Reporting Portal

Conclusion

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is a critical tool in combating cybercrime in India. Prompt reporting and proactive measures are essential to minimise the impact of cybercrimes.


Disclaimer: Articles published on the website are merely indicative and suggestive in nature and do not amount to solicitation. The contents do not guarantee the desired returns and/or results. Reader is advised to exercise discretion and consult independent advisors for achieving desired result. Visitors to this blog/ website w.r.t products & services offered by RBL Bank Limited herein, shall ensure that the comments / feedback posted shall be restricted to the contents published herein and shall not contain such language that may be un-parliamentary or against any religion, caste, section of society, political view etc. While our endeavor is to publish the comments that are submitted, however, all comments/feedback shall be subject to internal review by RBL Bank Limited. We do not guarantee that the comments that are submitted will be published.

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