How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint in India: Online and at the Police Station (Step-by-Step)

Hacked account? Fake profile? Online fraud? Harassment on social media?

Whatever happened to you online, you have the right to complain, and the law gives you more than one way to do it. You can file from your phone in 15 minutes, or walk into a police station. You don't need a lawyer to start.

This guide explains both ways, step by step.

Lost money just now? Call 1930 first.

For money frauds, calling the 1930 helpline quickly can get the money frozen. File the complaint after that.

What Counts as a Cyber Crime?

You can file a cyber crime complaint for any of these:

• Online financial fraud (UPI, card, net banking, investment or job scams)
• Hacking of email, WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook accounts
• Fake profiles made in your name
• Morphed or obscene photos and videos
• Sextortion and blackmail
• Online stalking, threats and harassment
• Fake calls from "police," "CBI" or "customs" (digital arrest scams)
• Data theft and identity theft

If something illegal happened to you through a phone, computer or the internet, it is worth reporting.

Option 1: File Online at cybercrime.gov.in

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is the Government of India's official website for cyber complaints. It is free and works for every state.

Step-by-step

1. Go to cybercrime.gov.in and click "File a Complaint."
2. Choose the right category: financial fraud, women/child-related crime, or other cyber crime.
3. Register or log in with your mobile number and OTP.
4. Fill in the incident details: what happened, when, and on which platform.
5. Add the suspect's details if you have them: phone number, UPI ID, profile link, email or website.
6. Upload evidence such as screenshots, bank statements and links.
7. Submit and save your complaint number and PDF copy.

Your complaint is sent to the cyber police of the area concerned. You can check its status anytime using "Track Your Complaint" on the same portal.

Worried about your identity? For crimes involving women and children, such as obscene content, the portal also gives an option to report anonymously.

Option 2: File at the Police Station

You can also go to your nearest cyber crime police station, or any regular police station if there's no cyber cell nearby.

What to carry

• A signed written complaint explaining what happened, with dates and times
• Printouts of screenshots, chats and bank statements
• Links to fake profiles, websites or posts
• Your online complaint number, if you filed one
• A copy of your ID proof

Always ask for a receipt or a copy of your complaint with a diary number or stamp.

Your Rights When Filing an FIR

Many people are told to "go to another police station." Know your rights under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS):

• Zero FIR: Under Section 173, police must register your complaint even if the crime happened in another area. They can transfer it later to the right police station.
• e-FIR: Information about a crime can also be given electronically. You will need to sign it within three days.
• Free copy: You are entitled to a free copy of your FIR.

For some offences, the police may first conduct a preliminary enquiry (up to 14 days) before registering the FIR. This is allowed under the law, but they should not simply ignore your complaint.

What If the Police Refuse to Register Your Complaint?

1. Send your complaint in writing (by post or email) to the Superintendent of Police or Commissioner of Police.
2. If no action is taken, you can file an application before the Magistrate, who can direct the police to register an FIR and investigate.

A lawyer can help you with this step.

Evidence Checklist

Good evidence makes the police act faster. Save these before the other person deletes anything:

• Screenshots showing the full chat, with the other person's number or profile visible
• Call logs with dates and times
• Transaction IDs and bank statements
• Full URLs of fake profiles, posts or websites
• Emails, with sender details

Don't delete chats, block the person before taking screenshots, or reset your phone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long. Evidence disappears and money gets withdrawn.
• Giving incomplete details. Write dates, times, amounts and IDs clearly.
• Trusting "recovery agents." Anyone asking for a fee to get your money back is likely another fraudster.
• Searching Google for helpline numbers. Use only official websites like cybercrime.gov.in.

Quick Answers

Is filing a cyber crime complaint free?
Yes. Filing online or at the police station costs nothing.

Can I file a complaint from another city or state?
Yes. You can file online from anywhere, and police stations must accept a Zero FIR even if the crime happened elsewhere.

How do I check my complaint status?
Use "Track Your Complaint" on cybercrime.gov.in with your complaint number.

Is an online complaint the same as an FIR?
No. An online complaint is sent to the police, who then decide whether to register an FIR. For serious matters, follow up at the police station.

Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
No. But a lawyer helps if the police refuse to act, the matter is serious, or you need to go to court.

Remember:

Save evidence → File at cybercrime.gov.in → Visit cyber police → Get your FIR copy → Track your complaint

Lost money in a fraud? Read our guide: Lost Money in an Online Fraud? Do These 5 Things in the Next 24 Hours.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and public awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not create an advocate-client relationship. Laws and procedures may change, and every case depends on its own facts. Please consult a qualified advocate for advice on your situation.