As India digitises rapidly, cyber crime has become one of the fastest-growing categories of offence. From online fraud and phishing to identity theft and social media harassment, the impact on victims can be severe—both financially and emotionally. Knowing how to file a cyber crime complaint is the first step to recovering losses and bringing offenders to justice. This guide walks you through the legal framework, the types of cyber crimes, and the complete complaint process under Indian law.
Cyber crimes in India are primarily governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended in 2008) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (which replaced the Indian Penal Code). Key sections include:
For legal assistance with any cyber matter, see our cyber crime service.
The central government operates cybercrime.gov.in, where you can report cyber crimes online. Complaints can be filed by anyone, and they are routed to the relevant state cyber police. This is the fastest way to initiate action for fraud and harassment. For women and children facing cyber crimes, a dedicated section allows anonymous reporting.
In Kolkata, the Cyber Crime Cell of the Kolkata Police handles complaints. You can also file an FIR at any police station—under Section 154 of the BNSS, the police must register an FIR for cognisable offences. If the police refuse, you can send the complaint to the Superintendent of Police or file before a Magistrate under Section 175 BNSS.
For trial, cyber crime cases are handled by courts designated under the IT Act. The adjudicating officer under Section 46 IT Act can award compensation up to ₹5 crore per matter; claims above ₹5 crore go to the TDSAT or civil courts.
This is the most critical step. Do not delete messages, emails, or call logs. Take screenshots with timestamps. Save bank statements, UPI transaction IDs, and the fraudster's phone number, UPI ID, and any URLs. Do not confront the fraudster—let the police act.
Visit cybercrime.gov.in and select "Report Cyber Crime." Choose the category—financial fraud or women/child-related—and fill in the details. Upload evidence. You will receive a complaint ID for tracking.
If money was debited, immediately call your bank's helpline or use the 1930 helpline launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs for reporting financial fraud. Request the bank to freeze the fraudster's account if possible. Report to RBI's CMS portal if the bank does not act.
Visit the nearest police station or cyber cell with your evidence and file an FIR under the relevant sections of the IT Act and BNS. Carry your ID, bank statements, and a written complaint. For a formal complaint, our legal notice service can draft it for you.
Track your complaint using the complaint ID. If no action is taken, escalate to the DCP (Cyber Crime) or file a writ petition before the High Court. An experienced cyber crime lawyer can navigate the investigation and ensure your complaint is taken seriously.
Under Section 46 IT Act, you can seek compensation from the adjudicating officer. In cases of financial fraud, you can also file a consumer complaint against the bank or service provider for deficiency in service. See our full range of legal services for more.
Time is critical in cyber crime cases. The sooner you report, the better the chance of freezing the fraudster's accounts and recovering your money. At Vidhi Legal Services, our cyber crime advocates help victims across Kolkata file complaints, secure FIRs, and pursue compensation. For more legal resources, visit our blog. Contact us today to file your cyber crime complaint with expert legal support.