Given how much of today’s society is digital, cybercrime poses a serious risk to people, companies, and governments everywhere. Because of the rapidly changing threat landscape, cybercrime is on the rise as technology integrates into society more quickly than ever before. Given India’s sharp increase in cyberthreats, it is critical that people understand how to file a complaint specifically about cybercrimes. In addition to offering a detailed instruction on how to report cybercrimes in 2025, this page offers samples of a few prevalent categories of cybercrimes.
Cybercrime Types
Cybercrimes can take many different forms, and knowing these types is essential to accurately reporting the crimes. Some of the most common forms of cybercrime are as follows:
1. Unauthorized use of computer networks, systems, or data is known as hacking. A hacking attack typically yields proof of a data breach. Personal, financial, and/or commercial information may be compromised in a data breach.
2. Phishing: Phishing is a scam in which criminals pretend to be reputable organizations and try to obtain sensitive information from consumers (such as bank account details and credit card numbers) by sending phony emails and websites.
3. Malware Attacks: By definition, malware attacks are caused by malicious software, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. Malware can be obtained through dubious downloads or links that appear genuine. Its goal is to harm your systems or corporate systems and steal or doxx data.
4. Identity Theft: Online fraud, financial account access, and online impersonation are all possible outcomes of cybercriminals stealing a person’s personal information.
5. Cyberstalking and Harassment: Cyberstalking and harassment through social media, online messaging, and emails can have a major negative impact on privacy and mental health.
6. Financial fraud: Financial fraud include illegal practices such as credit card fraud, UPI fraud, and fraudulent internet shopping websites that are designed to defraud people of their money.
India’s legal framework is comprised of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860 and the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act).
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860/Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) have been used in tandem to combat cybercrime in India. These laws specify the offenses and punishments for different types of cybercrimes.
The IT Act contains some helpfully cited elements, such as:
• Section 66: Section 66, which addresses offenses involving computers, probably covers the majority of these charges.
• Section 66A: It is illegal to disseminate offensive communications through communication services, etc. Although the Indian Supreme Court invalidated Section 66A in 2015, the statute is still cited in several criminal cases where it is interpreted incorrectly.
• Receiving stolen computer resources dishonestly is punishable under Section 66B.
• Phishing and online banking fraud are common examples of cheating by personation using a computer resource, which is the primary focus of Section 66D.
• Cyberterrorism provisions are found in Section 66F.
• The electronic publication of pornographic material is punishable under Section 67.
• Section 69: allows government authorities to monitor, intercept, and analyze data and information under certain constraints.
• Compensation for data protection failures is covered in Section 43A.
The aforementioned provisions offer a solid legal foundation for handling cyber events and ensuring victims receive just compensation.
How to File a Complaint About Cybercrime
If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you should act right away. To file a cybercrime fraud complaint in 2025, complete these steps:
Step 1: Gather Proof
You should gather all relevant evidence before filing a report, such as screenshots, emails, messages, transaction records, URLs, and IP addresses.
Step 2: Create an online report
The Indian government has created a National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. 🔗 cybersecurity.gov.in
The simplest way to file a complaint online for cybercrimes such identity theft, financial fraud, online abuse, and others is through this website.
Using your mobile number, you must register with the portal and provide some basic details about the crime, the time, and any accessible proof.
Step 3: Visit the closest station of the Cyber Crime Police.
Even while filing a report online is advised, visiting a police station or city’s dedicated cybercrime cell might speed up the inquiry, particularly if there are pressing concerns.
Step 4: Call India’s Cybercrime Helpline Number
For prompt assistance with financial crimes, you can also contact India’s cybercrime helpline at 1930. If at all possible, operators will help you block the transaction in real time.
Step 5: Monitor
Maintain your complaint ID and inquire about any developments from the authorities. Remember to be cooperative but persistent.
The function and benefits of cyber law
Cyber laws offer a framework for the law to tackle crimes involving technology. One of the most significant benefits of cyber legislation is:
• defense against online dangers like data theft, phishing, and hacking.
• protection of the right to privacy.
• outlines offenses and the consequences for violators.
• holds companies responsible for safeguarding users’ updated data in compliance with Section 43A.
• gives law enforcement the means to carry out their duties and the legal support they need to establish a precedent.
What Takes Place Following a Complaint?
Following the filing of a cybercrime complaint, the cybercrime unit will investigate by contacting service providers for information and tracking down the occurrence using IP (Internet Protocol) addresses and transactions. The case may be sent to a district, state, or central unit for investigation, depending on how serious the crime was.
Depending on the seriousness and/or nature of the offense, prosecution under the IT Act or IPC/BNS may result in “penalty,” sanctions, fines, incarceration, or even both.
In conclusion
In the present era, cyber dangers pose a hazard to everyone. The first step to justice and stopping additional criminal activity is identifying the type of attack and reporting it using the appropriate channels. Thanks to laws like the Information Technology Act of 2000 (IT Act) and active cyber cells spread around the nation, victims can now register a cybercrime fraud complaint or any other cybercrime complaint. Use digital platforms, the cyber crime helpline number in India, and full legal protection to help you be stronger than they are.
With a vast collection of material on a variety of legal topics compiled by the top experts in the field, Sharks of Law provides a comprehensive legal solutions facility. You can look for a lawyer who can satisfy your legal needs for an online consultation with this law business. If you have any questions that call for legal advice, the lawyers at Sharks of Law have the requisite experience in all the relevant sectors.
Email:-helpdesk@sharksoflaw.com
Help Desk:-+91-88770-01993
https://www.sharksoflaw.com/blog-detail/how-do-i-report-cyber-crime-or-attack-in-2025