How to file a complaint online for cyber fraud?

While the internet has made lives easier, it has its own limitations. People can lose hard-earned money or valuable data to fraudsters in just a few minutes. In such a case, you need to immediately raise a complaint online. Read on to know how you can do so.

How to file a complaint online for cyber fraud?

This era is all about the digital era, and the internet accelerates a major chunk of important work online. This digitisation has made life easy and smooth. However, everything has two-fold effects. And the internet is no exception. While the positive effects of the internet have definitely increased the pace of work, it also has some negative aspects on people's lives, especially privacy. It can be seen in the form of cybercrimes.

The National Crime Records Bureau has shown a steep increase in cybercrime these days. This is why it is important to protect yourself against the adverse effects of cybercrime using cyber insurance.

However, one must understand that the NCRB report is simply based on the reported cases. But a lot of cases that involve small losses are not even reported. And many individuals aren't even aware of how to file a complaint against these cyber frauds.

So, in this article, you will get to know what these frauds are and how you can report an online case against fraudsters.

What are cyber frauds?

Cyber frauds, as the name says, are online and digital crimes in which a fraudster steals your money or some valuable data via the internet or a digital device like OTP on a mobile phone. These frauds can be done by individuals as well as large businesses, causing financial losses.

The fraudster can use different methods, like sending emails, SMS, calls, and more, to hack your valuable information. Hackers have also been sending harmful links a lot these days. These links are designed to hack your system, and thus, all your personal information, like bank details, credit card information, and much more, is transferred to the fraudsters.

These scams are considered severe online crimes, and it is suggested that you report them immediately. You can file a complaint at the police station or on online platforms. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is an online portal that helps cybercrime victims easily register their complaints.

Types of cyber fraud

Cybercrimes are on the rise these days because of increasing dependence on digital transactions and exchanges. As digital growth increases, the risks of cyberattacks also increase. Hackers are using new ways to sneak into your records. So, let's understand what should be alarming and what some of the common types of online fraud are.

1. Phishing crimes

Phishing is when a hacker sends you false texts or emails, pretending to be an authentic organisation. They use these fake texts and emails to crack your personal information, like your OTP or password.

2. Identity theft

Identity theft is another common form of cyber fraud where a scammer takes someone else's identity and uses their name to commit an online crime. They can use your name and address, to open fake accounts or even take loans.

3. Harmful apps and links

As mentioned earlier, fraudsters are using links a lot these days to break into your sensitive records. These links or apps are specifically designed to break your system's security and give unauthorised access to scammers.

4. Job frauds

Job frauds are cybercrimes when fraudsters use job opportunities to fool someone. And later, they use the same to steal your money.

5. Fraudulent shopping schemes

With e-commerce reaching great heights in recent days, cybercriminals are using fake websites and products to fool people. Individuals make legitimate purchases, considering these fake websites the real ones, and end up losing money or even their card details sometimes.

The cybercrime reporting portal

As mentioned earlier, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is the official government portal to help people lodge their online complaints against cybercrimes. The portal allows you to file your complaint online or via phone using their helpline number, 1903.

Step-by-step process to lodge an online complaint against cyber fraud:

Now you know where you should be heading to report cybercrimes. However, let's dive a bit deeper and understand how to report a complaint step-by-step:

1. First and foremost, consider opening your browser and visiting https://cybercrime.gov.in 
2. Next, you will be directed to their homepage. Find the option to file a complaint and press it.
3. Consider reading and understanding the terms and conditions mentioned.
4. Choose 'Report other cybercrime' and then ‘Citizen login' next.
5. Carefully fill in all your personal details, like name, contact number, email, and more.
6. Fill out the OTP and captcha.
7. Next, you are supposed to fill in the details of the cybercrime you were a victim of.
8. After carefully filling in all the details, press ‘submit'.
9. On the next page, you will be asked to submit supporting evidence like screenshots or chats. Attach the same and choose 'save and next'.
10. Verify all the submitted information until now and finally click on ‘submit'. Once you're done, you'll get a confirmation message on your registered number and email.

Documents needed to file online complaints

As already mentioned, the portal asks you to submit supporting evidence in the case of these online scams. So, if you're a victim of fake shopping scams, online banking frauds, or other frauds, make sure to have all the transactional records used in the process. You may also submit other details, like the email or the bank details that were used to steal your money.

Summing Up

With increasing cases of cyber fraud every day, you cannot afford to be under threat at all times. Thus, it is only wise to cushion yourself with cyber insurance. Cyber insurance is one of the best ways to shield your online losses if anything unexpected happens. Insurance allows you to carry all your online work with peace of mind, knowing that someone has got you covered.

Also, when working online, you are exposed to different types of online tricks, so it is important to choose an insurance plan that matches your requirements. Insurers offer customisable plans for your different needs. They have distinct and suitable plans for everyone, including students, families, entrepreneurs, and even shopaholics. Not fitting into any of these categories? Well, then, insurers also offer plans where you can create an all-customised plan, and the best part is that it can offer extended coverage to your family too.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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