You can file a cyber crime complaint online in India through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. The Government of India operates this portal to help people report online fraud, social media crimes, account hacking, identity misuse, cyberstalking, online harassment and other cyber offences.
If you have lost money through UPI fraud, a fake payment link, an investment scam or an unauthorised online transaction, call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 immediately. You should also inform your bank or payment service provider without delay.
This guide explains how to register a cybercrime complaint online, what information and documents you need, how to submit the form, how to check your complaint status and what to do if you need further police assistance.
Important: What to Do Immediately After a Cyber Crime
If you have just become a victim of cybercrime, do not wait until you have collected every document. Take the appropriate reporting steps first and organise the supporting evidence afterwards.
If You Have Lost Money Through Online Fraud
- Call 1930 immediately: Report the financial cyber fraud to the national helpline. Share the transaction details and information requested by the representative.
- Inform your bank: Contact your bank through its official fraud-reporting number, mobile application or website. Ask the bank to register your complaint and provide an acknowledgement number.
- Submit the online complaint: Visit cybercrime.gov.in and complete the relevant financial fraud complaint process. If you report the incident through 1930, follow the instructions provided to complete the online reporting process.
- Preserve the evidence: Save transaction messages, UPI references, bank alerts, screenshots, payment receipts and other relevant records.
Why is quick reporting important? Fraudsters may move stolen money through several bank accounts or payment channels within a short period. The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), operated under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), helps connect law enforcement agencies and financial institutions so they can take timely action against the movement of suspected fraudulent funds.
The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that more than ₹11,158 crore had been saved through this system in over 32.80 lakh complaints up to 30 June 2026. These are aggregate figures, not a guarantee that every victim will recover their money.
If Your Social Media or Email Account Has Been Hacked
Try to secure the affected account immediately using the platform's official recovery process. Change the password if you can still access the account, sign out of unknown devices and enable two-factor authentication.
Keep screenshots of suspicious login alerts, messages sent from your account, recovery emails and any threats received. You can then report the incident through the appropriate category on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
If Someone Is Threatening or Blackmailing You Online
Preserve the threatening messages, phone numbers, social media profiles, emails and relevant links. Do not delete the original conversations if they may be needed as evidence. Avoid sending more money or personal material in response to threats.
If there is an immediate threat to your physical safety, contact the local police or emergency helpline 112. Do not rely only on an online complaint in an emergency.
What Is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal?
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) is an online complaint platform established by the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
It allows citizens to report cybercrime incidents from different parts of India without having to begin the reporting process by visiting a police station. The portal has a special focus on cybercrimes against women and children, while also accepting reports about other cyber offences.
Complaints submitted through the portal are handled by the concerned State or Union Territory law enforcement authorities. The police may examine the information, seek additional evidence, register an FIR where appropriate and take further action under the law.
Official website: https://cybercrime.gov.in/
What Types of Cybercrime Can You Report Online?
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal accepts reports relating to different types of cyber offences. Select the category that most closely matches the incident you experienced.
Online Financial Fraud
- UPI payment fraud and unauthorised UPI transactions.
- Credit card and debit card fraud.
- Internet banking fraud.
- Fake investment and trading schemes.
- Fraudulent payment links and QR code scams.
- Online shopping and payment-related fraud.
- Fraud involving digital wallets and other online payment services.
Social Media and Online Account Crimes
- Hacking of social media accounts.
- Fake profiles and online impersonation.
- Unauthorised access to email or other online accounts.
- Threatening messages and online blackmail.
- Cyberstalking and online bullying.
- Misuse of personal information and identity.
Crimes Against Women and Children
- Online sexual harassment.
- Cyberstalking and threatening behaviour.
- Sexual exploitation through digital platforms.
- Circulation or misuse of sexually explicit content.
- Child sexual exploitation and abuse material.
- Other online offences involving women and children.
Other Cyber Offences
- Hacking and unauthorised access to computer systems.
- Ransomware and malware-related incidents.
- Cryptocurrency-related cybercrime.
- Online trafficking and other digital offences.
- Other unlawful activities involving computers, mobile devices or online platforms.
The available categories and subcategories may change as the portal is updated. Read the options displayed in the live complaint form before selecting one.
What Information and Documents Are Required to File a Cyber Crime Complaint?
Before opening the complaint form, collect the basic details of the incident. This makes the process easier and reduces the chances of entering incorrect information.
The portal's published complainant checklist identifies the following information and documents.
| Requirement | What you should keep ready |
|---|---|
| Incident date and time | The date and approximate time when the cybercrime happened or when you discovered it. |
| Incident description | A clear explanation of what happened. The published checklist specifies a minimum of 200 characters. |
| Identity document | A soft copy of one listed identity document: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence or passport. |
| Bank or payment information | Bank, wallet or merchant name, transaction ID or UTR number, transaction date and fraud amount, if money is involved. |
| Supporting evidence | Screenshots, payment receipts, bank statements, emails, messages, website links and other relevant digital records. |
| Suspect information | Phone number, email address, bank account number, website, social media profile or other details, if available. |
| Suspect photograph | A photograph or other identifying document, if available and relevant. |
Identity Document Format and File Size
The portal's published checklist specifies JPEG, JPG or PNG format for the complainant's identity document, with a maximum file size of 5 MB.
The same checklist specifies that individual supporting evidence files should not exceed 10 MB. It also mentions a maximum of 5 MB for a suspect photograph in JPEG, JPG or PNG format.
These are the limits stated in the published checklist. Always follow the file format, size and upload instructions displayed on the live portal when submitting your complaint, as online forms can be updated.
What Evidence Should You Collect?
Evidence helps the police understand what happened and identify the accounts, phone numbers or online platforms involved.
Depending on the incident, useful evidence may include:
- Bank statements and transaction receipts.
- UPI transaction details and UTR numbers.
- SMS alerts and payment confirmation messages.
- WhatsApp conversations and chat screenshots.
- Emails received from the suspected person or organisation.
- Social media profile links and screenshots.
- Website URLs and suspicious payment links.
- Call records or other available communication details.
- Threatening messages, blackmail demands or other relevant content.
Keep the original files wherever possible. Do not edit screenshots in a way that removes important information such as dates, phone numbers, transaction references or sender details.
Important: Never share your ATM PIN, UPI PIN, password, CVV or OTP with anyone claiming to help you register a complaint. Government officials and bank representatives do not need these confidential credentials to record your report.
How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint Online in India
Follow these steps to submit a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The exact fields may differ depending on the type of cybercrime you select.
Step 1: Open the Official Cyber Crime Portal
Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/ using your mobile phone or computer.
Make sure the website address is correct and ends with gov.in. Avoid websites or advertisements that ask you to pay a fee for registering a cybercrime complaint.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Complaint Option
On the portal's homepage, look for the complaint registration options. The portal provides separate reporting routes for crimes involving women and children and for other cybercrimes.
For a regular complaint that you want to follow up later, use the applicable Report and Track or Report Other Cybercrimes option.
For example:
- If someone has cheated you through a fake UPI payment request, select the relevant financial fraud category.
- If someone has taken control of your social media account, select the appropriate social media or account-related category.
- If someone is threatening or blackmailing you online, choose the relevant category under the available reporting options.
Step 3: Read the Declaration and Accept the Terms
Before opening the complaint form, the portal displays a declaration or terms and conditions screen.
Read the instructions carefully. They explain that you should provide accurate information and that the complaint will be handled by the concerned law enforcement authorities.
Select I Accept or the corresponding confirmation option to continue.
Step 4: Register or Log In Using Your Mobile Number
For the standard tracked complaint process, the portal asks you to register or log in using your name and a valid Indian mobile number.
- Enter your name as requested.
- Provide your active Indian mobile number.
- Complete the CAPTCHA or security verification.
- Request an OTP.
- Enter the OTP received on your mobile phone.
The portal's FAQ states that the OTP remains valid for 30 minutes. If it expires, request a new OTP through the portal.
Use a mobile number that you can access because the portal may send the complaint reference and subsequent updates to your registered contact details.
Step 5: Select the Correct Cybercrime Category
After successful login, the portal asks you to select the type of cybercrime you want to report.
Choose the category and subcategory that best describe your incident. Do not select a financial fraud category for an unrelated social media problem simply because it is the first option you see.
If you are unsure, read the descriptions provided alongside the categories. Your written explanation should also make the nature of the incident clear.
Step 6: Enter the Incident Details
This is one of the most important parts of the complaint. Explain what happened in simple, chronological order.
Include the following details wherever relevant:
- When the incident happened.
- How the person contacted you.
- Which phone number, email, website or social media account was involved.
- What the person said or asked you to do.
- Whether you shared information, clicked a link or made a payment.
- How you discovered the fraud or unauthorised activity.
- What steps you have already taken, including contacting your bank or the police.
For a financial fraud complaint, enter the transaction date, amount and transaction reference exactly as they appear in your bank or payment records.
If you are unsure about the exact time, provide an approximate time and make it clear that it is approximate. Do not guess and present the information as a confirmed fact.
Step 7: Enter Suspect and Transaction Details
The portal may ask for information about the suspected person, account or digital platform involved in the incident.
Depending on the case, you may have details such as:
- Suspect's mobile number.
- Email address.
- Bank account number.
- UPI ID or payment address.
- Website or social media profile link.
- Wallet or merchant information.
Enter only the information you actually have. If the person used a fake identity, describe it as an identity claimed by the suspect rather than treating it as verified information.
Step 8: Upload Supporting Documents and Evidence
Attach the documents and digital evidence relevant to your complaint. Select the correct upload field and check that each file is readable and opens properly.
For financial fraud, attach transaction records and relevant bank or payment screenshots. For account hacking, attach suspicious login alerts and other available account-related evidence. For online threats, attach the relevant messages and profile details.
If the portal rejects a file, check its format and size. Reduce the file size if necessary without making the evidence unreadable.
Step 9: Review the Complaint and Submit It
Before submitting the complaint, carefully check all the information you have entered.
- Verify your name and mobile number.
- Check the incident date and location.
- Confirm the transaction amount and reference number, if applicable.
- Check that the complaint description is complete.
- Make sure the correct evidence files are attached.
Once everything is correct, complete the final submission step. Do not close the page before the portal confirms that the complaint has been submitted successfully.
Step 10: Save Your Complaint Acknowledgement Number
After successful submission through the tracked complaint route, the portal provides a confirmation and an acknowledgement or complaint reference number. The portal's FAQ also states that an SMS and email are sent for complaints submitted through the relevant tracked options.
Save this number carefully. You will need it to check your complaint status and refer to your report when contacting the concerned authority.
Keep a screenshot or copy of the acknowledgement for future reference.
How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint Through 1930
The national cybercrime helpline 1930 is primarily important for people who have suffered financial cyber fraud.
Instead of waiting to complete a long online form, a victim can call 1930 and report the fraudulent transaction. The helpline assists with lodging a cyber financial fraud report through the CFCFRMS system.
Keep the following information ready when calling:
- Your name and contact number.
- Bank or payment service provider name.
- Transaction date and approximate time.
- Transaction ID or UTR number.
- Amount lost.
- Any other information requested by the representative.
Follow the instructions given during the call and note any reference number provided. If you are asked to complete the online complaint, do so through the official portal and retain the acknowledgement.
Calling 1930 does not remove the need to inform your bank. Both reports are important and serve different purposes.
How to Check Cyber Crime Complaint Status Online
After registering a complaint through the tracked reporting route, you can check the available progress updates on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Follow these steps:
- Open the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Select Check Status or the complaint-tracking option available on the website.
- Enter your complaint acknowledgement number or the other details requested by the portal.
- Request an OTP if the page asks for verification.
- Enter the OTP and complete the CAPTCHA, if displayed.
- Submit the details to view the available complaint status.
Use the same complaint reference that you received after submitting your report. If the portal does not display the expected information, check the number and verification details before trying again.
Open the Cyber Crime Complaint Status page.
Can You File a Cyber Crime Complaint Anonymously?
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal provides a separate anonymous reporting facility for certain crimes involving women and children.
However, anonymous reporting is not a universal option for every type of cybercrime. The portal's FAQ describes anonymous reporting in relation to specified sexually explicit online content, including rape or gang-rape content. The live form may display the available categories and instructions for reporting.
For ordinary cybercrime complaints and financial fraud, use the relevant tracked reporting route. This allows the police to contact you for additional details and provides a complaint reference for follow-up.
Before submitting an anonymous report, check the category and instructions displayed on the official form.
Open the official Report Anonymously page.
What Is the Difference Between Report Suspect and Register a Cyber Crime Complaint?
The portal provides a separate facility for reporting suspicious phone numbers, email addresses, websites, social media accounts and other identifiers that may be connected with cybercrime.
However, reporting a suspicious identifier is not the same as filing a complaint as a victim.
| Feature | Register a complaint | Report a suspect |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Report a cybercrime incident that has affected you or someone else. | Share information about a suspicious identifier. |
| Examples | UPI fraud, hacking, online blackmail or financial loss. | Suspicious phone numbers, websites, email IDs or social media profiles. |
| Complaint acknowledgement | Tracked complaint registration provides a complaint reference. | The suspect-reporting facility follows its own submission process. |
| When to use | When a cybercrime incident needs to be reported to law enforcement. | When you want to share information about a suspicious identifier. |
If you have lost money or suffered another cybercrime, do not use only the Report Suspect facility. Submit a proper cybercrime complaint through the relevant reporting option.
Open the official Report Suspect facility.
What Happens After You File a Cyber Crime Complaint?
Once your complaint is submitted, the portal forwards the report to the concerned State or Union Territory law enforcement authority based on the information provided during registration.
The police may examine the complaint and take further steps according to the facts, available evidence and applicable law.
Police May Examine the Information
The concerned police authority reviews the incident details, transaction information, suspect identifiers and supporting evidence. It may contact you if it needs additional documents or clarification.
The Complaint May Lead to Further Police Action
Depending on the circumstances, the police may register an FIR, investigate the incident, seek information from banks or online platforms and take other action permitted under the law.
Financial Institutions May Receive Fraud-Related Alerts
In financial cyber fraud cases, the CFCFRMS framework supports coordination between law enforcement agencies and participating financial institutions. This helps authorities take timely steps to identify and restrict the movement of suspected fraudulent funds.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also introduced a Money Restoration Module and a Grievance Redressal Module under the cyber financial fraud response framework. These facilities support the process of restoring eligible defrauded funds and addressing grievances relating to freezing and lien marking.
However, a complaint acknowledgement does not confirm that money has been frozen, recovered or credited back to your account.
Does an Online Cyber Crime Complaint Automatically Become an FIR?
No. Submitting a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal does not automatically mean that an FIR has been registered.
The online portal is a reporting platform. The concerned State or Union Territory police authority examines the information and decides the appropriate action under the law.
An acknowledgement number confirms that your complaint has been submitted through the portal. It is not the same as an FIR number.
If the police register an FIR, you should obtain the FIR number or copy through the appropriate police channel. You can also ask the concerned police station or investigating officer about the next steps.
What to Do If There Is No Action on Your Cyber Crime Complaint?
If you have submitted a complaint but have not received an appropriate response, do not simply submit the same complaint repeatedly. Follow up through the official channels.
- Check the latest status on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Keep your acknowledgement number, submission date and supporting evidence ready.
- Use the official State/UT Nodal Officer and Grievance Officer directory to identify the relevant contact.
- Explain the issue clearly and request an update on the complaint.
- If the matter requires police attention, approach the concerned police station or senior police authority according to the circumstances.
The portal's Contact Us page provides details of the relevant State/UT Nodal Officers and Grievance Officers. Its instructions also explain how complainants who used the Report and Track option can approach the relevant officer when they need to raise a concern about the response.
Check the official State/UT Nodal Officer and Grievance Officer directory.
Important RBI Rules for Reporting Unauthorised Bank Transactions
If a cyber fraud involves an unauthorised electronic banking transaction, inform your bank immediately. Do not assume that filing a police or cybercrime complaint is enough to notify the bank.
The Reserve Bank of India requires banks to provide channels through which customers can report unauthorised electronic transactions. Its updated directions also require banks to acknowledge such reports and take prompt steps to prevent further unauthorised transactions.
RBI's 2026 directions for commercial banks specify that customers should report fraudulent electronic banking transactions to their bank and also lodge a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or helpline 1930 at the earliest.
Customer liability depends on the circumstances, including whether the transaction resulted from bank negligence, a third-party breach or the customer's own negligence. Therefore, do not assume that every fraudulent transaction will automatically be refunded.
Read the RBI's updated directions on customer protection and unauthorised electronic banking transactions and notify your bank through its official reporting channel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing a Cyber Crime Complaint
- Waiting too long to report financial fraud: Call 1930 and inform your bank immediately.
- Entering incorrect transaction details: Verify the UTR, transaction date and amount against your bank records.
- Writing an unclear complaint: Explain the incident in chronological order and include the important facts.
- Uploading incomplete evidence: Attach the relevant screenshots, messages and transaction records.
- Providing unverified suspect details: Do not invent a name, address or identity.
- Using an unofficial website: Register through the official government portal only.
- Sharing confidential credentials: Never disclose your OTP, UPI PIN, ATM PIN or password to someone claiming to help you.
- Not saving the acknowledgement: Keep the complaint reference safe for status checks and follow-up.
- Assuming the acknowledgement is an FIR: Check separately whether the police have registered an FIR.
Official Websites and Useful Links
Use these official government websites to report cybercrime, check complaint progress and obtain further assistance.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal - Register a cybercrime complaint.
- Check Cyber Crime Complaint Status - Track a registered complaint.
- Report Anonymously - Access the portal's anonymous reporting facility.
- Report Suspect - Share information about suspicious identifiers.
- Cyber Crime Portal Contact Us - Find State/UT Nodal Officers and Grievance Officers.
- Ministry of Home Affairs - National Cybercrime Response Mechanism.
- Reserve Bank of India - Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions.
- RBI - Customer Liability in Unauthorised Transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filing a Cyber Crime Complaint Online
Q. What is the official website to file a cyber crime complaint in India?
Ans. The official website is cybercrime.gov.in, operated under the Ministry of Home Affairs. You can use it to report financial fraud, hacking, social media crimes and other cyber offences.
Q. What is the cyber crime helpline number in India?
Ans. The national cybercrime helpline number is 1930. Call it immediately if you have lost money through online financial fraud.
Q. Can I file a cyber crime complaint online without visiting a police station?
Ans. Yes. You can submit a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. However, the concerned police authority may contact you or ask you to visit a police station for further action.
Q. Is Aadhaar compulsory for filing a cybercrime complaint?
Ans. The portal's published checklist lists Aadhaar, PAN card, Voter ID, driving licence and passport as identity document options. Follow the current form's instructions; Aadhaar is not listed as the only acceptable document.
Q. Can I report UPI fraud through the cybercrime portal?
Ans. Yes. Select the relevant financial fraud category and provide the UPI transaction reference, date, amount and other requested details. Call 1930 and inform your bank immediately as well.
Q. What is the minimum information required to register a cybercrime complaint?
Ans. You should prepare your incident date and time, a clear description, your contact details and relevant supporting information. Financial fraud complaints also require transaction and payment details. The exact mandatory fields depend on the selected complaint category.
Q. Can I file a cybercrime complaint if I do not know the scammer's identity?
Ans. Yes. Provide whatever information you have, such as the phone number, UPI ID, email address, website, bank account or social media profile. You do not need to invent the suspect's name or identity.
Q. What is the difference between 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in?
Ans. 1930 is the national helpline for assistance with cyber financial fraud reporting. The portal is the online platform for submitting and following up on cybercrime complaints. For financial fraud, use both channels as instructed.
Q. How do I get an acknowledgement number after filing a complaint?
Ans. After successful submission through the tracked complaint route, the portal provides an acknowledgement or complaint reference number. The portal also states that confirmation details are sent through SMS and email for the relevant tracked reporting options.
Q. How can I check my cybercrime complaint status?
Ans. Visit the official portal, select Check Status and enter the acknowledgement details requested. Complete the OTP and CAPTCHA verification if displayed.
Q. Can I file a cybercrime complaint anonymously?
Ans. The portal offers anonymous reporting for certain specified crimes involving women and children. It is not a universal anonymous reporting facility for every cybercrime or financial fraud complaint.
Q. Does an online cybercrime complaint automatically become an FIR?
Ans. No. An online acknowledgement confirms that your complaint was submitted. The concerned State or UT police authority decides the appropriate further action, including FIR registration under the applicable law.
Q. Can I withdraw a cybercrime complaint after submitting it?
Ans. The portal FAQ states that complaints filed under the Report Cyber Crime section may be withdrawn before conversion into an FIR. Complaints under the women/child-related reporting section cannot be withdrawn through the same facility. Check the portal's current instructions before requesting withdrawal.
Q. What should I do if the police do not respond to my cybercrime complaint?
Ans. Check the complaint status and use the official State/UT Nodal Officer and Grievance Officer directory for follow-up. You may also approach the concerned police station or senior police authority, depending on the circumstances.
Q. Will I get my money back after reporting cyber financial fraud?
Ans. Not necessarily. Prompt reporting can help authorities and financial institutions take action to restrict the movement of stolen funds. Recovery depends on the circumstances and the action taken by the concerned authorities and institutions.
Q. Should I inform my bank after filing a cybercrime complaint?
Ans. Yes. Inform your bank immediately through its official fraud-reporting channel. Obtain a separate bank complaint acknowledgement and retain it along with your cybercrime complaint reference.