With the rapid advancement of the digital world, the dependence on the internet has grown tremendously. Unfortunately, this has also led to a significant rise in cybercrimes and virtual fraud cases. Victims often face confusion when it comes to filing a cybercrime complaint. Common questions include;
- Where can I report a cybercrime?
- What is the process to register a cybercrime FIR?
- What documents are required for filing a complaint?
This post provides a step-by-step guide on how to lodge a cybercrime complaint in Odisha, along with key details about the Odisha Cybercrime Portal. Keep reading for all the essential information.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime refers to illegal activities carried out using computers, electronic devices, or the internet. Common examples include;
- Illegal hacking
- Online stalking
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
- Virus dissemination
- Credit card fraud
- Software piracy
With cybercrimes occurring at an alarming rate, it’s crucial to understand how to report them effectively. Odisha is among the states with a high number of cybercrime cases, with over 4,035 complaints reported in 2017 alone. Here’s how you can report a cybercrime in Odisha.
How to File a Cybercrime Complaint in Odisha?
1. Visit the Cybercrime Cell
Submit a written complaint to the cybercrime branch or cell in Odisha. Cybercrimes fall under global jurisdiction, meaning victims can file a complaint in any cybercrime cell in India, regardless of where the incident occurred.
2. Documents Required for Filing a Complaint
Include the following:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Current address
- Written complaint with evidence related to the crime
If online harassment or other serious crimes occur, victims can also consult legal counsel for guidance.
3. File an FIR at a Local Police Station
If you cannot access the cybercrime cell, you can file a First Information Report (FIR) at your nearest police station. If the local police refuse to register your complaint, you can escalate it to the Commissioner or Judicial Magistrate.
4. Report Online via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
You can also report incidents online using the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official portal i.e. https://cybercrime.gov.in/
- Click on “Report Other Cyber Crime.”
- Carefully read the instructions and select “File a Complaint.”
- Log in using your credentials. New users can register by clicking on “New User Login.”
- Fill out the details and verify via OTP.
- Submit incident, suspect, and complaint details as prompted.
- Review and confirm your complaint, then download the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
Checking the Status of Your Complaint
- Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Click on “Track Complaint Status.”
- Enter your acknowledgment number and OTP.
- The status of your complaint will appear on the screen.
Required Documents for Filing Cybercrime Complaints
A) Email-Related Complaints
- Brief written description of the crime
- Photocopy of the suspected email ID (avoid forwarded emails)
- Complete header details of the suspected email
- Hard and soft copies (submitted on a CD-R)
B) Social Media Complaints
- Screenshot of the alleged profile/content
- URL of the content
- Hard and soft copies (on a CD-R)
C) Mobile App-Related Complaints
- Screenshot of the app and its source
- Bank statements if financial transactions were involved
- Soft copies of the evidence
D) Data Theft Complaints
- Proof of stolen data
- Copyright certificate of the stolen data
- Suspect details, such as appointment letters and non-disclosure agreements
E) Ransomware/Malware Complaints
- Evidence of ransom demands (e.g., email or phone details)
- Screenshots and headers of malware-infected emails
F) Internet Banking/Online Fraud Complaints
- Bank statements (last six months)
- SMS records of fraudulent transactions
- ID proof matching bank records
Important Details About Cybercrime in Odisha
- Cybercrimes fall under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and are considered cognizable offenses.
- Police officers are required to register complaints under Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), regardless of jurisdiction.
- Zero FIR can be filed, allowing immediate action and transfer to the appropriate jurisdiction.
Contact Information for Odisha Cybercrime Cell
- Official Website: Odisha Police CID CB
- Office Address: Cyber Crime Police Station, CID, Crime Branch, Cuttack, Odisha
- Phone Number: (0671) 2305485
- Email ID: cyberps.cidcb.orpol@nic.in
By following this guide, you can ensure a streamlined process for reporting cybercrimes in Odisha and contribute to curbing digital offenses effectively.