Rise of Online Fraud in India
In today’s digital economy, online fraud has become a growing concern across India. From fake shopping websites to phishing emails and digital payment scams, cyber frauds target individuals and businesses alike. The Indian government has established an official redressal platform — cybercrime.gov.in — for citizens to report such offences directly.
This article explains how to file a complaint for online fraud on cybercrime.gov.in, the legal framework protecting victims, and practical tips to secure your digital identity.
What Is cybercrime.gov.in?
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) is an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. It allows citizens to report cybercrimes online — especially those related to financial fraud, social media misuse, and cyber harassment.
Purpose and Authority of the Cyber Crime Portal
The portal is integrated with state and UT cyber cells to ensure every complaint reaches the right jurisdiction. It supports:
- Anonymous reporting (for women/child-related crimes)
- Full complaint registration (for financial or general cybercrimes)
- Tracking and escalation of cases to law enforcement agencies
Step-by-Step Guide to File a Complaint on cybercrime.gov.in
If you’ve fallen victim to a digital scam, follow these five simple steps to file a complaint correctly.
Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal
Go to www.cybercrime.gov.in and click on “File a Complaint”. Ensure you are on the genuine .gov.in domain to avoid phishing sites.
Step 2 – Choose the Complaint Category
You’ll see two options:
- Report Women/Child Related Crime – for sensitive cases.
- Report Other Cybercrimes – for financial frauds, fake websites, etc.
Step 3 – Register or Log In
Create an account using your mobile number and email ID. You’ll receive an OTP to verify your details.
Step 4 – Fill in the Incident Information and Upload Evidence
Provide accurate details about:
- Type of fraud (e.g., online shopping, UPI, social media scam)
- Transaction ID, screenshots, or chat history
- Bank account details (if applicable)
Upload relevant documents or media files to support your claim.
Step 5 – Submit and Track Complaint Status
Once submitted, a complaint reference number is generated. Use it to track the status through your dashboard or via registered email.
Documents Required for Online Fraud Complaint
Keep the following ready before submission:
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport)
- Transaction proof or bank statement
- Screenshots of chats, emails, or fake websites
- Details of fraudulent accounts, links, or phone numbers
- Contact details for communication
Legal Provisions Applicable to Online Fraud
Information Technology Act, 2000
- Section 43 – Penalty for unauthorised access to computer systems.
- Section 66C – Punishment for identity theft.
- Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources.
Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
- Section 419 – Punishment for cheating by impersonation.
- Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
Supporting Rules & Judgments
- IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
- Reserve Bank of India Circular on Cybersecurity in Digital Payments
- Case Law: Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) – Upheld the right to free and safe digital communication and strengthened online redressal frameworks.
What Happens After Filing a Complaint?
Once the complaint is submitted:
- It is forwarded to the jurisdictional cyber police station.
- The police may contact you for verification and additional details.
- If prima facie evidence exists, an FIR is registered under the relevant sections of the IT Act or IPC.
- You’ll receive regular updates via the portal or your registered email ID.
Example Case: Reporting a Fake E-Commerce Website
A resident of Patna, Bihar, ordered goods worth ₹25,000 from a fake shopping site. After payment, the site vanished. The victim filed a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in, attaching transaction proof and chat screenshots. Within a week, the case was escalated to the Patna Cyber Cell, which traced the fraudulent account, froze the amount, and initiated an FIR under Section 420 IPC and 66D IT Act.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Frauds
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Never share OTP, PIN, or banking credentials.
- Avoid downloading attachments from unknown emails.
- Always verify merchant websites and URLs.
- Use secure payment gateways and updated antivirus software.
- Report suspicious links or accounts immediately.
Conclusion – Empowering Citizens through Cyber Awareness
Every citizen must understand their rights under cyber law. Filing a complaint through cybercrime.gov.in is simple, confidential, and effective. The sooner you act, the higher the chance of recovery and justice.
If you’ve been a victim of cyber fraud, don’t panic — report it now via cybercrime.gov.in or consult a cyber law expert on Legal.Bihar.in for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the official website to report online fraud in India?
A: Visit cybercrime.gov.in, managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q2: Can I file a cyber fraud complaint without visiting a police station?
A: Yes, you can file online, and the complaint is forwarded to your local cyber cell.
Q3: Is filing a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in free?
A: Yes, it’s completely free for all citizens.
Q4: What details should I provide in an online fraud complaint?
A: Include transaction details, screenshots, email/chat records, and your contact info.
Q5: How can I track my cybercrime complaint status?
A: Use your registered email/complaint ID to log in at cybercrime.gov.in.
Q6: Which law protects victims of online scams in India?
A: Primarily the IT Act, 2000, and Sections 419–420 of the IPC.
Q7: Can NRIs file a complaint on this portal?
A: Yes, NRIs can also report incidents involving Indian entities or citizens.
Q8: What should I do immediately after realizing I’ve been scammed?
A: Contact your bank, block the transaction, and report at cybercrime.gov.in instantly.
References
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal – cybercrime.gov.in
- Ministry of Home Affairs – mha.gov.in
- Information Technology Act, 2000 – indiacode.nic.in
Internal Links:
- Legal Procedure to File an FIR for Online Fraud in Bihar
- Understanding the IT Act, 2000 – Key Provisions Against Cybercrime
Author Bio
About the Author – Advocate Tabish Ahmad
Advocate Tabish Ahmad (B.A. LL.B., LL.M., Diploma in Cyber Law – GLC Mumbai) is a Certified Cyber Law Practitioner and practising Advocate at the Patna High Court. He specializes in Cyber Crime, GST Litigation, and Tax Appeals, with extensive experience in representing clients before judicial and quasi-judicial forums.
He serves as President of the Cyber Lawyers Association and is a Member of the Advocates’ Association, Patna High Court. As a Mentor at the Indian Tax Academy and JurisCrack, he guides young lawyers and students in cyber and tax law practice.
Author of several books on Cyber Crimes, Taxation, and GST, Advocate Tabish Ahmad is recognized for his practical insights on digital law, data privacy, and cyber fraud defence.
