File a Cyber Crime Complaint Online: A Guide

In the digital-first world, our lives revolve around screens ranging from banking to shopping to social media and communication. But with that convenience

comes a growing shadow like cybercrime. From phishing links and online frauds to identity theft and harassment, the digital space has become a new battleground for crime. Fortunately, Ministry of Home Affairs has made the process of reporting such incidents simple, transparent, and accessible to every citizen. Through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, victims can file complaints online, track the status of their case, and even seek immediate help via government helplines. This major, backed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) which is a major step in ensuring that no digital victim is left unheard.

How to file a cyber crime complaint online?

Filing a cybercrime complaint is a structured and user-friendly process designed for everyone — whether you are a student who faced social media bullying or a senior citizen duped by an online investment scam. Know how you can do it:

Via official online portal

• Go to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at "https://cybercrime.gov.in."
• Choose the Type of Complaint
• Click on “Report Other Cybercrimes” for non-emergency issues.
• Or select “Report & Track” if you’ve already filed a complaint and wish to check its status.
• Register Yourself
• Provide your name and a valid Indian mobile number.
• Verify it using the One Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone.
• Select the Category of the Crime
• You can choose from several categories such as:
• Financial frauds (UPI scams, debit/credit card misuse, fake investment offers)
• Identity theft (impersonation, fake social media profiles, hacked accounts)
• Cybercrimes against women or children (online stalking, harassment, child exploitation)
• Submit Incident Details
• Fill in all relevant details like: Mode of communication (email, website, WhatsApp, SMS, etc.), date, time, and platform where the incident took place, supporting evidence — screenshots, chat logs, transaction slips, or links, and information about the alleged suspect, if known,
• Review your details and Submit it.

After this you will receive an acknowledgment or reference number that you can use to track your complaint online.

Need help right away? Use these helplines numbers and emails

If you need immediate help or prefer to speak to an official, several helplines are available:

• National Cybercrime Helpline: 1930 (Available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on working days)
• Central Grievance Email: [e-mail]

Emergency Helplines:

• Police: 112
• Women’s helpline: 181

Prefer in-person help? Visit a local cyber crime cell

You can also contact the nearest state or city cybercrime cell, whose contact details are listed on respective state police websites.

For citizens who may not have stable internet access, complaints can also be filed offline by visiting the nearest Cyber Crime Cell. Officers there can assist in drafting and submitting the complaint on your behalf.

Know how to track your complaint

After filing your report, you can easily monitor its progress:

• Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in
• Click on “Check Status” or “Track your Complaint”
• Enter your reference number to view updates on: case status, action taken, pending investigations

This ensures complete transparency and helps victims stay informed throughout the resolution process.

Expanding digital landscape

According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release dated October 8, 2025, India’s cyberspace is witnessing unprecedented activity, with crores of digital interactions and financial transactions taking place daily.

Over 86 per cent of households are now connected to the internet which has made access to online services easier than ever.

The government said this rapid digital inclusion has empowered citizens but also increased exposure to cyber risks, making cybersecurity “a core element of national digital governance.”

“India’s expanding digital infrastructure must be matched by an equally strong security framework. Our aim is to make cyberspace safe, trusted, and accountable for every citizen,” according to the PIB.

Cybercrime trends, financial impact

Cybersecurity incidents surged from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024.

Cyber frauds amounting to Rs 36.45 lakh have been reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) as of February 28, 2025, according to the government.

While these figures reflect increasing challenges, the government notes that they also highlight progress in reporting, detection, and coordination.

“These numbers indicate not just the challenges but also India’s growing capacity for early detection, coordination, and citizen reporting,” the government said.

Cyber laws that protects you in digital world

Cybersecurity ecosystem is anchored by key legislations that safeguard users and ensure accountability across digital platforms:

1. Information Technology Act, 2000

• The foundational law addressing offences such as identity theft, impersonation, cheating by personation, and data misuse.
• Empowers authorities to block malicious websites and apps that host or spread fraudulent activity.

2. IT Rules, 2021

• Mandates accountability for social media and digital intermediaries.
• Ensures swift removal of unlawful or harmful content, including AI-generated misinformation.

3. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

• Makes user consent central to data processing and storage.
• Requires organizations to implement robust safeguards to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of personal data.

What the latest data shows about cyber frauds?

As per the PIB data, more than 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2,63,348 IMEIs (device numbers) linked to fraudulent activities have already been blocked.

The MHA reported that I4C has blocked 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts linked to fraudulent and malicious activities.

“The I4C is central to India’s strategy against digital crime. Its proactive coordination and real-time intelligence have enabled faster response and stronger deterrence,” the PIB release quoted the MHA as saying.

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), established under the Ministry of Home Affairs, provides a nationwide framework for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to combat cybercrime. Its functions include:

• Capacity building and specialized training for police personnel
• Development of technical tools and cyber forensics capabilities
• Real-time information sharing between states and central agencies
• Coordinated investigations into organized digital crime networks