Cyber Crime Complaint: Meaning, Type, Law, Online Fraud Punishment, Prevent & Call Number

In today’s world, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. While the internet offers many advantages, it also comes with its risks. One of the most significant threats is Cyber Crime. Cybercrime refers to any illegal activity conducted using computers or the internet. In our country, many people are still unaware of such crimes and become victims of online fraud.

Therefore, in today’s article, we will discuss cybercrime in detail, including what cybercrime is, how to avoid online fraud, the different types of cybercrime, and what steps to take if you fall victim to an online crime (helpline number & filing complaints online).

Cybercriminals use various techniques to gain unauthorized access to data or systems, steal personal information, or cause harm to individuals or organizations. We will discuss the different types of cybercrimes and how to protect ourselves and our businesses from them. Therefore, make sure to read this article in its entirety.

What is Cyber Crime

It is an online crime committed using the internet or digital devices. This may include online fraud, theft, espionage, viruses, and other offenses.

It typically causes issues in computer systems, networks, and internet-related security, which can affect users and lead to the theft of their confidential information.

Examples of cybercrimes include internet banking fraud, social media account hacks, phishing, malware, ransomware, and online exploitation.

Type of Cyber Crime

Malware: Malware is short for “malicious software” and refers to any program or code designed to harm your computer or network. Malware can take the form of viruses, worms, Trojans, or ransomware. It can be downloaded onto your computer through phishing emails or infected websites.

Phishing: Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals to trick you into providing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. Phishing emails are designed to look like legitimate messages from banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.

Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information such as your name, social security number, or credit card details and uses it for fraudulent activities. This can happen through phishing emails or data breaches.

Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: DoS attacks occur when a cybercriminal floods a network or website with traffic, causing it to crash or become inaccessible. These types of attacks are often used for extortion, where the attacker demands payment to stop the attack.

Cyber Stalking: Cyberstalking happens when someone uses the internet to harass or threaten another person. This can include sending unwanted messages or emails, posting false information about someone, or creating fake social media accounts in their name.

What is the Law for Cybercrime in India?

In India, the law that deals with cybercrime is the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. This law was enacted to provide legal recognition for transactions carried out through electronic communication and to offer legal remedies for cybercrimes.

The IT Act defines various cybercrimes, including hacking, tampering with computer source documents, data theft, and the distribution of online pornographic material. It also outlines the penalties for these offenses, which may include fines and imprisonment.

To keep up with the evolving nature of cybercrime, the law has been amended several times. In 2008, the IT Amendment Act was passed, which introduced new provisions to address cyber terrorism, data protection, and intermediary liability.

To combat cybercrime effectively, the Government of India has established various agencies, including the Cyber Crime Investigation Cell (CCIC), which is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cyber offenses. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs has a dedicated Cyber Crime Division, which provides technical and legal support to law enforcement agencies and conducts training programs for police officers and investigators.

Overall, the IT Act, along with related laws and agencies, aims to provide a legal framework to address cyber threats and to protect individuals and businesses from online dangers.

What Should One Do if they Become a Victim of Online Fraud?

If you fall victim to online fraud, you should take several steps to protect yourself and report the incident:

Secure your devices: Immediately disconnect any hacked device from the internet to prevent further damage. Change the passwords of all potentially compromised online accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Report the incident: Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a police report. If financial fraud is involved, also report the incident to the relevant organizations, such as your bank or credit card company.

Gather evidence: Keep a record of all evidence related to the incident, including screenshots, emails, and chat logs. This information can be helpful for law enforcement or other relevant authorities.

Contact credit bureaus: If the incident involves identity theft, contact one of the three major credit bureaus Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion and place a fraud alert on your credit report.

Seek professional help: Consider consulting a cybersecurity professional or a legal advisor to help you navigate the aftermath of the fraud and protect your personal information.

Protect yourself from future incidents: Stay alert and take proactive steps to avoid online fraud in the future. This includes regularly updating your devices and software, avoiding suspicious emails and links, and being cautious about sharing personal information online.

Where and How to Complain About Cyber Crime?

If you want to file a complaint about online fraud, you can follow these steps:

Inform your bank or credit card company: If your bank account or credit card has been fraudulently used, immediately notify your bank or credit card company. You will need to provide them with relevant details about your issue, including any reference numbers.

File an online complaint: You can also register your complaint through the Government of India’s online complaint portals or the following websites:

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in/
Reserve Bank of India’s Sachet: https://sachet.rbi.org.in/Home/Index
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): https://www.cert-in.org.in/s2cMainServlet?pageid=PUBHL

Contact Online Crime Prevention Centers: You can also lodge your complaint by contacting Online Crime Prevention Centers operated by the Government of India.

Contact local police: If you have any other online fraud complaint, you can approach your local police station to file a report.

What Punishment Do Cybercriminals Get in India?

Here are some examples of punishments for specific cybercrimes under the IT Act (Information Technology Act) in India:

Section 43:
Penalty for causing damage to a computer, computer system, etc.
Punishment: Compensation for the damage, which may include imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, or both.
Section 66:
Punishment for hacking a computer system.
Punishment: Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹2 lakh, or both.
Section 66B:
Punishment for dishonestly receiving stolen computer resources or communication devices.
Punishment: Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.
Section 66C:
Punishment for identity theft.
Punishment: Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.
Section 67:
Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.
Punishment: Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, or both.
Section 72:
Punishment for breach of confidentiality and privacy.
Punishment: Imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.

It is important to note that the punishment for cybercrimes may vary based on the severity of the offense and other factors. In some cases, the punishment under the IT Act may be more severe. For example, cyber terrorism under the IT Act is punishable by life imprisonment.

Overall, the purpose of punishments for cybercrime in India is to deter cybercriminals and protect individuals and businesses from online risks.

Measures to/Prevent Cyber Crime

Use a strong password: Use complex and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Keep your software up-to-date: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches.

Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on all your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone.

Be cautious of suspicious emails: Do not open emails or attachments from unknown senders, and be wary of emails that ask you to click on links or provide personal information.

Use antivirus and anti-malware software: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software on your computer and devices to protect them from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Avoid oversharing on social media: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media platforms, as cybercriminals can use this information to target you with scams and phishing attacks.

Use secure networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often unsecured and can be easily hacked. Instead, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your online privacy.

Back up your data: Regularly back up your important files and data to an external hard drive or a cloud-based storage service so that you can easily recover them in case of a cyberattack or data loss.