How do I file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in?

Question

I want to report a cyber fraud but don't know the process for the government's cybercrime portal. I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

MyVakeel Legal Desk · Accepted Answer

How do I file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in? is governed in India primarily by Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 154 (via CrPC), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 – Section 173 and Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66. The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in lets you file complaints for financial fraud, women/child abuse content, and other cyber offences without visiting a police station first.

For financial fraud, use the 'Report Financial Fraud' quick option or call the 1930 helpline; both route the complaint through the RBI-backed Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System that can freeze funds in near real time.

Once submitted, you receive an acknowledgment number; under BNSS Section 173 (equivalent to old CrPC 154), the portal complaint should be converted into a formal FIR by the jurisdictional cyber cell if a cognizable offence is disclosed.

Upload all evidence at the time of filing — screenshots, transaction IDs, phone numbers, UPI handles — since the portal does not always allow easy amendment later.

You can track the status using the acknowledgment number, and if there is no action within a reasonable time you may follow up directly with the state cyber cell or file a grievance with the police commissioner.

What to do next: 1) Go to cybercrime.gov.in and select the relevant complaint category; 2) Fill in incident details and upload evidence such as screenshots and bank statements; 3) Note down the acknowledgment number for tracking; 4) Follow up with the local cyber cell if no action within 2-3 weeks.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 154 (via CrPC) carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.