Cybercrime is no longer just a tech issue. It’s a real-world problem affecting everyday people—be it through a hacked social media account, a fake shopping site stealing your money, or someone misusing your private photos.
The good news is that you have legal rights, and one of the most powerful ways to assert them is by filing an FIR—a First Information Report.
In India, cybercrimes are governed mainly by the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). If you’re a victim of online fraud, digital harassment, identity theft, or data breaches, filing an FIR not only helps you seek justice but also allows the police to begin a formal investigation.
Let’s break down exactly how to file an FIR for cybercrime in both online and offline modes, what documents you’ll need, how to escalate if you’re ignored, and how the IT Act protects you in such cases.
What is an FIR in the context of cybercrime?
An FIR (First Information Report) is a document that police prepare when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence—a crime serious enough to justify immediate police action.
Many cybercrimes, such as identity theft, online stalking, hacking, phishing, and data breaches, fall into this category.
Once an FIR is filed, the police are legally bound to begin an investigation. It gives your complaint legal weight, allows you to track the case, and holds platforms or service providers accountable too.
Common Cybercrimes That You Can Report with an FIR
| Type of Cybercrime | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identity theft | Your Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details used without your knowledge |
| Online harassment or stalking | Someone sending repeated messages, threats, or abusive content |
| Cyber fraud or scams | Fake shopping sites, phishing links, UPI fraud, crypto scams |
| Hacking | Email, social media, or bank account access without permission |
| Misuse of private photos/videos | Leaking intimate or personal content online |
If your photos or videos have been misused, here’s a full guide on what to do next: What to Do If Someone Misuses Your Photos or Videos Online
Now let’s look at how you can file an FIR—both online and offline.
1. How to File an FIR for Cybercrime Online
The easiest and fastest way to report most cyber offences is through India’s Cyber Crime Portal, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Website: https://cybercrime.gov.in
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the portal and click on “File a Complaint.”
- Select the category: “Women/Child-related crimes” or “Other Cyber Crimes.”
- Register yourself using a mobile number and OTP.
- Fill out the complaint form with details like:
- Type of cybercrime (e.g. phishing, stalking, image misuse)
- Description of the incident
- Date and time
- Screenshot or proof (if available)
- Upload documents or images to support your case.
- Submit the complaint. You’ll receive a Reference Number to track your report.
The advantage of filing online is that it’s available 24/7, and you can file from anywhere in India—even anonymously, especially for women and children.
You can also call the 1930 Cyber Helpline immediately if the offence involves financial fraud. If reported quickly, authorities may help freeze the stolen funds.
2. How to File an FIR for Cybercrime Offline (At a Police Station)
You can visit your nearest police station or cybercrime cell to file an FIR. It doesn’t matter whether the crime happened in your city—you can file a Zero FIR, which can be transferred to the right jurisdiction later.
Steps to follow:
- Go to your local police station or cybercrime unit.
- Narrate your incident clearly. You don’t need legal jargon.
- Bring proof such as screenshots, chat logs, transaction slips, or email headers.
- Ask them to record your complaint as an FIR under relevant IT Act and IPC sections.
- Take a copy of the FIR and acknowledgment receipt for your records.
Relevant sections that may be applied:
| Section | Law | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Section 66C | IT Act | Identity theft – using your password, login, Aadhaar, or bank credentials |
| Section 66D | IT Act | Cheating by impersonation using computer resources |
| Section 66E | IT Act | Violation of privacy – capturing or sharing private images |
| Section 67 | IT Act | Publishing or transmitting obscene material |
| Section 420 | IPC | Fraud, cheating, financial scams |
If your social media account has been hacked, you may find this guide helpful: Legal Steps to Take If Your Social Media Account Is Hacked
What if police refuse to file an FIR?
Sadly, this happens more than it should. But you still have options:
- Write to the Superintendent of Police (SP) – Under Section 154(3) CrPC, if a police officer refuses to register your FIR, you can send the complaint to the SP.
- File a complaint before a Judicial Magistrate – Under Section 200 CrPC, you can approach a Magistrate who can direct the police to register the FIR.
- Escalate to higher authorities or women’s commissions – Especially in cases involving harassment, blackmail, or misuse of intimate content.
Can I Track the Status of My Complaint?
Yes. If you filed through the cybercrime portal, you can log in with your registered mobile number and track progress using the complaint ID. Offline FIRs can be tracked by contacting the IO (Investigating Officer) or visiting the station.
How Long Does It Take for Action?
It depends on the nature of the crime. In urgent matters like account hacking, identity theft, or blackmail, authorities usually act faster. If platforms like Instagram or Google are involved, police may contact them for account logs, IPs, or content takedown support.
Is Filing an FIR the Only Way?
No. You can also:
- Report objectionable content directly to platforms (like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube)
- Send legal takedown notices
- Approach CERT-In or Data Protection Authorities (in certain data breach matters)
But for criminal action, an FIR is essential. Without it, no formal investigation can begin.
You might also be interested in: What is the IT Act and How Does It Protect You Online?
Filing an FIR for cybercrime may seem intimidating, but it’s your legal right. The digital world comes with risks—but laws like the IT Act, the IPC, and recent cyber policies exist to protect you.
Whether your WhatsApp account was hacked, you were scammed by a fake website, or someone leaked your private photos, don’t stay silent. Gather evidence, file a complaint, and follow up.
The faster you report, the better your chances of stopping the crime and recovering losses. You don’t need legal training to demand justice—you just need the right information, which you now have.
FAQs
1. Can I file an FIR if I lost money in an online scam?
Yes, under Section 66D IT Act and Section 420 IPC, fraud and cheating are punishable offences.
2. What if I don’t know who hacked me?
You don’t need to. The police and cyber cells can trace IP addresses, device locations, and payment trails.
3. Is filing online enough, or should I go to the police too?
For serious crimes, it’s best to do both. Filing online gives you a record, and the police can take real-time action.
4. Can I get my money back?
Yes, if reported in time. Banks and payment platforms may help freeze the transaction if informed quickly via 1930.
5. Is it safe to file complaints for cyber harassment or blackmail?
Yes. You can even report anonymously on the cybercrime portal in women and child-related cases.
