Cybercrime complaints can be registered in cybercrime cells. The complaint process is both online and offline and the victim can choose the procedure at their convenience. It is not necessary for the victim to register a complaint with the cybercrime cell of the city where he resides or where the crime was committed as cybercrime falls under global jurisdiction. Cybercrime cells have been set up in various cities of India to enable people to get proper help in case of any injury or damage caused due to any cybercrime committed against them. These cells also create awareness about cybercrimes and measures to avoid becoming victims of such crimes. Cybercrime cells keep reports on cybercrimes and also look after investigations.
In case the victim does not have access to any of the cybercrime cells, he can file an FIR at the local police station under Section 154 of the Penal Code. If the cybercrime committed on the victim is a cognizable offense under the Indian Penal Code, then the police officer would be required to lodge an FIR. If a police officer refuses to file a victim's complaint, the victim can file a written complaint with the Magistrates' Court in their district, which in turn can order the police officer to open an investigation. The documents required for filing a cybercrime FIR depend on the type of cybercrime committed against the victim (Social Media Crime, Cyber Bullying, Mobile App Crime, Cyber Extortion, etc.).
Procedure for filing a cybercrime complaint: offline cybercrime cell
Filing a written complaint to the cybercrime cell has turned out to be the most acceptable way to register the crime as there are people who still cannot afford the internet charges or who do not have the required knowledge. A cybercrime victim can file a written complaint at the nearest cybercrime cell, or any cybercrime cell set up in India. The written complaint must be addressed to the Head of the Cyber Crime Cell and must be accompanied by the following information about the victim or the person registering the complaint:
- Name,
- Contact information
- Mail address.
Other documents need to be attached to the complaint depending on the type of cybercrime committed against the victim. These documents must be attached to both offline and online claims.
Procedure for Filing a Cybercrime Complaint: National Cybercrime Reporting Portal
As this technology transcends all conventional methods, it has also transcended the offline process of filing a cybercrime complaint. Cybercrime complaints can be registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, an initiative of the Government of India to facilitate nationwide cybercrime complaints and enable victims/complainants to access cybercrime cells and all cybercrime-related information at their fingertips. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is one of the components of India's Cyber Crime Coordination Center set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of India and deals with all types of cybercrime. Two types of complaints can be registered on the portal:
Report a crime related to women or children
- Child pornography (CP)
- Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) – Material containing sexually explicit images (in any form) of a child being abused or exploited.
- Sexually explicit content (e.g. rape/massage)
Report other cyber crimes
- Mobile crimes
- Crimes on social networks
- Online financial fraud
- Cyber trading
- Ransomware
- Hacking
Procedure for reporting cybercrime against women or children and other cyber crimes
If a victim/complainant reports a crime involving women or children, he/she will have two ways to register the complaint
Report anonymously
In order to register a cybercrime complaint anonymously, the victim/complainant must do the following:
- Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal website at https://cybercrime.gov.in/
- The complainant will not have to provide any personal information and the complaint will be registered anonymously.
- Cybercrime related to child pornography (CP), child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and sexually explicit content such as rape/gang rape (RGR) can only be reported anonymously.
- While reporting cybercrime (related to women or children) on the portal, the complainant will only have to provide the following information:
Random details
- Categories of cybercrime
- Date and time of the incident (eg when the sexually harassing video was uploaded to social media)
- State and county: where the victim lives or where the crime was committed
- The platform where the incident occurred (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Upload evidence: images, videos, documents, or links to CP/RGR content.
Suspect details
- Suspect's name
- Suspect's identity (email, driver's license, mobile number, PAN card, etc.)
The complainant can also add other necessary data related to the complaint or which he thinks could be useful in the investigation of the crime in the description field. There are certain additional documents and information that need to be uploaded as evidence. Other documents that need to be attached to the complaint depending on the type of cybercrime committed against the victim. After successfully registering the complaint, the complainant will be provided with a PDF of the complaint which can be downloaded from the portal.
Protect your mental health
Cyberbullying raises significant concerns about mental health. While historically teenagers have been the main focus of much of the study on the impacts of online harassment, we now know that it may have a serious negative impact on mental health at any age. Cyberbullying behaviors have been shown in studies to contribute to:
- Pick a Hobby
In order to overcome such a traumatic experience, it is necessary for the person to engage into some kind of hobby or activity. Because of stress and all things that had happened with the person he/she needs some time off to just get relax and do something that makes you happy. It can be anything like drawing, painting, swimming, etc.
- Block and report cyberbullying
You can block a cyber-bully from emailing you, viewing your social media profiles or interacting with you on any online platform. This can be an important step in protecting you. It can also be a great way to let the cyber-bully know that you don't tolerate their behavior.
- Need of Counselling
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- Panic Attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
Such issues and problems typically arise when we dismiss them and believe that mental health is unimportant. However, while a physical wound may heal over time, cybercrime can occasionally result in severe physiological issues, particularly when the victim has developed an emotional bond with the cyber attacker. The victim of blackmail who has revealed private images or videos may experience feelings of remorse and dread. Online Counseling plays a crucial role in these situations since the victim constantly lives in fear or guilt. And they require a qualified somebody who can advise them on how to handle the circumstance. With her family, friends, or anyone else who is close to them, we typically avoid talking about these subjects.
Searching for best Online Counselor for your mental health issues, connect with TalktoAngel, an online counseling platform for mental health.