1. Why one should report cyber crime?

Crime in a society is expected to remain at a tolerable level due to the deterrence factor; early detection of the crime, identification of the criminal who has committed the crime and awarding of an exemplary punishment to him/her will dissuade other individuals who would have indulged in such instances in future. An unreported crime emboldens the criminal to commit further such acts, apart from taking away the deterrence for others.

Proper reporting also helps policy makers to know of the trends and allocate resources to adequately tackle newer crimes. Critical infrastructure protection, which has an impact on a large number of people also benefits by having proper reporting practices.

You may be worried about the loss of reputation or negative publicity; however, most law enforcement organizations are aware of this and take steps to keep crime details confidential. They also are sensitive to the fact that the reporting company's business may depend on the availability of the computer resources involved and can take appropriate measures to use forensic tools to ensure that business disruption is minimized.

2. How to report a Cyber Crime

Filing a complaint/ Writing an application letter.

What details will I be asked to include in my complaint?

You may need to provide the following possible information, along with an application letter addressing the head of cyber crime investigation cell when filing a complaint:

 .Your name,
 .Your mailing address,
 .Your telephone number,

Specific details on how the offence was committed, along with the names and addresses of suspects and any other relevant information necessary.

What contents should be there in the application letter?
Contents vary with respect to the type of fraud or crime faced by you.

Cyber Stalking:

It is the most common kind of cyber crime happening in India and the victim’s report could contain the following information:
  . Email/IM communications received
  . Phone numbers of the obscene callers, if any
  . Website address which contains the profile
  . Screenshot or the web page (to be saved and submitted in hard copy)
  . Other important necessary information could be provided after consulting

     law enforcement agency.

 Note:

Victims of Cyber Stalking often request webmaster to delete their Profile. Deleting the profile means the evidence is lost.

Password Hacking:

When did you access your email account last?
From where and which computer did you browse it?

All information about email account e.g. date of birth entered, pin code entered and security question and the last password?

What type of documents should be included in my application which can be considered as proof or evidence in regard to my complaint?

Every possible information which can be provided by you with proper documents can be included in the application letter and be considered as proof or evidence.

Proof or Evidence may include the following:

  . E-mail printouts.
  . Chat-room or newsgroup text or screenshots if taken by you.
  . Email printouts should contain full email header information.
  . Transaction acknowledgements or receipts.
  . Credit card records, transaction details and receipts.
  . Envelopes or letters received via post courier.
  . FAX copies.
  . Pamphlets or brochures (if you have received).
  . Phone bills.
  . Printed or preferably electronic copies of web pages.

Keep the necessary information in a safe location; you will be required to provide them for investigation as and when required.

Note: Proof or documents which will be part of the application are not restricted to the above list, additional information may be required depending on the nature of crime.

Online fraud

Report online fraud

If you are a victim of online fraud you should report it to Cyber cell. You will need to ensure that you preserve any electronic evidence relating to the matter, including emails and any relevant computer logs. If you can, please copy this information to a CD or DVD and take it to the police station when you report the matter.

The MP Cyber Police recommends that you print out the above advice and present it to them when you report the matter. Cyber Police will:

· take a report of the crime, identifying relevant offence(s) under state

   legislation.
· compile any relevant victim and witness statements.
· take copies of relevant documentation.
· consider capturing electronic evidence. Cyber cell has a specialist area to

   assist with this consideration and any requirements.
· conduct any relevant checks relating to suspect information and include an

   investigation file.
· compile a cover sheet detailing the investigation conducted and requesting

   any further investigation.
· transfer the file to the appropriate agency with jurisdiction relating to the

   suspect.

What should I do if I believe my complaint is time sensitive?

You should contact Inspector General of Police, MP Cyber Police, Police Headquarters Bhopal, email at mpcyberpolice@gmail.com or your local police station directly if you believe your matter is time sensitive.