How to File a Cyber Crime FIR in India (2026 Guide)
Filing a cyber crime complaint correctly the first time matters: the right sections, the right forum and complete evidence determine whether the police investigate, whether money can be frozen and recovered, and whether your FIR stands up in court. This guide walks you through every step.
Step 1 – Report Financial Fraud Within Minutes
If you have lost money to any online fraud, call 1930 immediately, then file at cybercrime.gov.in. Early reporting lets banks and the cyber cell freeze the receiving account before the money moves on — the single biggest factor in recovery.
- 1930 is for financial fraud; general harassment or cyberstalking can be reported at cybercrime.gov.in or at a cyber cell
- Keep the UPI reference ID, transaction ID or bank complaint number from your report
- Report the fraud, not just to your bank, but formally to the cyber cell
Step 2 – Compile Your Evidence
- Transaction IDs, UPI reference numbers and bank statements
- Screenshots of messages, calls, phishing links and fake profiles
- The sender's phone number, email ID, account number, UPI ID or crypto wallet address if known
- Any device records — call logs, SMS, notification history
- Your own ID documents (Aadhaar, PAN) for the complaint
Step 3 – Choose the Right Forum
An FIR can be registered at the police station where you reside or where the crime occurred, before the local cyber cell, or you can file at cybercrime.gov.in which routes matters to the relevant cyber cell. For serious fraud, a lawyer can also apply to the court directly.
Jurisdiction Note
- You can file where you accessed the internet or where the offence occurred
- *Inter-state and cross-border cases are handled by cyber cells and, where needed, the national I4C
- *Website/email frauds can be reported through the dedicated channels on cybercrime.gov.in.
Step 4 – Get an FIR Copy and Follow Up
After registration, obtain the FIR number and a dated copy. Cyber cells issue acknowledgement or FIR references; follow up within the statutory review period and before the investigation is closed. If the police do not register your FIR, you can approach the superintendent of police or move a complaint before the magistrate under Section 156(3) through a lawyer.