Rising Instances of Cyber Fraud in India: Tips to Report Cyber Fraud (2022 NCRB Report)
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India reported 2,08,456 Cyber Fraud incidents; in 2019, 3,94,499 incidents; in 2020, 11,58,208 cases; in 2021, 14,02,809 cases; and in 2022’s first two months, 2,12,485 incidents.
The 2022 NCRB Report
The NCRB data demonstrate the severity of the rising cyber crime rate, it is also concerning that the statistics are based solely on reported cases. So, if we consider under-reported cases, the true number of cyber crime incidents would be even higher.
In most reported cases, we see people complaining about large financial losses, so for a small amount, people don’t bother filing a complaint or see it as a hassle.
Furthermore, many people are still unaware of the various types of cybercrime or the reporting mechanisms in place. So, let’s take a closer look at what cyber fraud is and how to file a complaint about it.
What is Cyber Fraud?
Cyber fraud, also known as online fraud or internet fraud, is a crime in which someone steals money by using the internet. Fraudsters can target an individual and contact them via SMS, phone, email, or other means to obtain personal information.
Or they can send a malicious link to apps or websites in order to hack into the computer, mobile device, or network in order to obtain sensitive information such as bank account numbers, credit card details, social security numbers, and personal information.
Common Cyber Frauds to be Aware of
As technology advances, cyber scammers seek new ways to target people and real money. Identity theft, phishing scams, credit card fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and other types of cyber fraud are all common.
Let’s look at these types of cyber fraud that you should be aware of:
1. Job scam
As the name implies, con artists target people online under the guise of offering them a job before stealing their money.
2. Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping scams are one of the most common types of scams. Cybercriminals create bogus e-commerce websites or advertise bogus products on legitimate websites in order to dupe customers into making purchases.
They may also steal credit card information through these fake websites in order to steal money.
3. Phishing Scams
In Phishing Scams, scammers send fake emails, text messages, or phone calls claiming to be from a legitimate organisation and trick people into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, OTPs, or others.
4. Identity theft
In cases of Identity Thefts, scammers steal people’s personal information, such as their name, address, and social security number, and use it to open accounts, apply for loans, and commit other crimes in their name.
5. Malware
In Malware Scams, the scammers send malicious link apps designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system and steal sensitive information in order to profit financially.
Malware can take many forms, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and ransomware.
Report Cyber Fraud at National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
The Government of India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is an online website that allows victims/complainants to report cybercrime complaints, including cyber fraud, online.
This portal accepts cybercrime complaints, with a special emphasis on cybercrime against women and children.
Documents Required to Report Cyber Fraud
If you file a cyber fraud case involving online transactions, lottery scams, ATM transactions, bogus calls, or internet banking.
You must include proof of the alleged fraudulent transactions, as well as supporting evidence such as bank statements, address and ID proof, and any suspicious messages or emails.
Tips to Report Cyber Fraud in India
To file a complaint about cybercrime, including cyber fraud, contact the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (Helpline Number -1930). You can also file a complaint at the nearest police station. You can also submit your complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to file a complaint.
- Open your web browser and navigate to https://cybercrime.gov.in.
- On the homepage, click the ‘File a complaint’ link.
- Then, on the following page, read and accept the terms and conditions.
- Select the ‘Report other cybercrime’ option.
- Click the ‘citizen login’ button and enter your information, such as your name, email address, phone number, and so on.
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered phone number and complete the captcha before clicking the submit button.
- Fill out the form on the next page with the details of the cybercrime you want to report.
- The form is divided into four sections: General Information, Victim Information, Cybercrime Information, and Preview. Complete each section with all the necessary information, and then review your work to ensure accuracy.
- After carefully reading the data, press the “Submit” button.
- You will be taken to a page with incident details. Mention the specifics and any supporting documentation for the crime, such as files or screenshots. After entering the information, select “Save and Next.”
- If you have any information about the alleged suspect, please provide it on the following page. If you have any information about the suspect, please enter it here.
- Verify the data and press the “Submit” button.
- You will receive an email with the complaint ID and other information about your complaint, as well as a confirmation message that your complaint has been registered.
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