With the increasing use of the internet for banking, shopping, education, and communication, cases of cybercrime such as phishing, online fraud, identity theft, hacking, and online harassment are also rising. The Indian government has provided an online platform to make it easier for victims to file cybercrime complaints without having to visit a police station immediately.
This guide explains in detail the step-by-step process to file a cybercrime complaint online.
Why File a Complaint Online?
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Quick action: Time is critical in cybercrime cases (especially financial frauds).
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Easy accessibility: The portal can be accessed from anywhere in India.
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Transparency: You get a complaint ID to track the status.
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Special categories: Dedicated sections for financial fraud, women/children-related crimes, and social media misuse.
Official Cybercrime Complaint Portal
The Government of India has set up the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal:
👉 www.cybercrime.gov.in
It is monitored by the Ministry of Home Affairs and coordinated with State/UT Cyber Crime Cells.
Steps to File a Cybercrime Complaint Online
Step 1: Visit the Portal
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Go to www.cybercrime.gov.in.
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Select the type of complaint:
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Report Women/Child-related crimes
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Report Other Cybercrime (including financial fraud, hacking, impersonation, etc.)
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Step 2: Register/Login
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For detailed complaints, you may need to create an account with your mobile number and email ID.
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An OTP will be sent for verification.
Step 3: Choose Complaint Category
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Online Financial Fraud (UPI scams, credit/debit card fraud, crypto fraud, etc.)
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Social Media Crime (impersonation, harassment, stalking)
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Online Harassment or Abuse
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Other Cybercrimes (hacking, malware, fake websites, etc.)
Step 4: Fill Complaint Form
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Provide your personal details (Name, Address, Mobile, Email).
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Provide details of the incident:
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Date & time of fraud
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Suspect’s phone number, email, account/UPI ID, website link
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Transaction ID or payment details (if financial fraud)
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Upload supporting documents such as screenshots, emails, bank statements.
Step 5: Submit Complaint
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After completing the form, submit it.
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You will get a complaint reference number for tracking.
Step 6: Follow Up
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Use the portal to track progress of your complaint.
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You may also be contacted by the concerned cyber police station for further details.
Immediate Action for Financial Frauds
If you are a victim of UPI/Banking/Wallet Fraud, in addition to filing an online complaint:
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Call the Cybercrime Helpline 1930 immediately.
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Inform your bank to block or freeze suspicious transactions.
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Provide the complaint ID from the cyber portal to your bank for follow-up.
Important Tips While Filing a Complaint
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Always provide accurate details — wrong information may delay action.
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Attach as much evidence as possible (screenshots, receipts, call logs).
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If the fraud involves women or children, use the special category to ensure priority handling.
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If urgent, also visit the nearest cyber police station with a copy of the complaint.
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal has made it easier for victims to file complaints online without delay. Whether you are facing financial fraud, online harassment, identity theft, or social media scams, reporting promptly increases the chances of action and recovery.
Remember, quick reporting + proper documentation = faster resolution.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, professional consultation, or solicitation. Victims of cybercrime should immediately report the matter to the official cybercrime helpline 1930 and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.