With the rapid growth of digital payments, online shopping, and social media usage, cyber fraud cases are increasing at an alarming rate. From financial scams to social media account hacking, cybercriminals are finding new ways to target users every day. Unfortunately, many victims rush to the police station or online portals without proper documentation, which often weakens their complaint or delays action.
If you have fallen victim to a cyber crime, preparing an evidence kit before filing a complaint is extremely important. Proper documents and digital proof not only strengthen your case but also help authorities investigate faster. In this article, we explain in detail which documents are required for a cyber crime complaint and what you should keep ready in advance.
Cyber crimes are digital in nature, and investigations rely heavily on technical evidence. Without screenshots, transaction details, or identity proof, it becomes difficult to trace the fraudster. That’s why collecting and preserving evidence is the first and most crucial step before reporting the incident.
If the fraud involves money loss through bank transfers, UPI, debit cards, credit cards, or online wallets, make sure you arrange the following documents:
Bank statement of the last 6 months, clearly showing the fraudulent transaction
SMS or email alerts from the bank related to the unauthorized debit (screenshots required)
Transaction ID and reference number, which are critical for tracking the payment
Proof of identity, such as Aadhaar card or PAN card, to verify the complainant
These documents help authorities confirm the financial trail and identify where the money was transferred.
If you have been scammed through platforms like Facebook or Instagram, you will need digital evidence related to the account involved. Keep the following ready:
Profile URL of the accused account
Complete screenshots of chats or conversations with the fraudster
Login alert emails or messages, if your account was accessed without permission
Do not delete any messages or profiles, even if they seem disturbing. Preserving original data is essential for investigation.
In cases involving phishing emails, fake job offers, lottery scams, or threatening emails, you should collect:
Screenshots of fraudulent emails or messages
Email headers, which help technical teams trace the IP address of the sender
Any audio recordings or threatening messages, if available
Website links or fake profiles involved in the fraud
Email headers are particularly important, as they provide technical details required to track cybercriminals.
If the fraudster contacted you via phone call or WhatsApp, do not forget to collect:
Call screenshots showing the number
Call recordings, if you have them
WhatsApp chat backups or screenshots
Also, avoid deleting any call logs or messages from your phone, as police may examine your device during the investigation.
Victims of cyber fraud should immediately take the following steps:
Call the cyber crime helpline number 1930 for urgent assistance
File an online complaint on the Indian Cyber Crime Portal
Visit your nearest police station and request a Zero FIR, which can be registered regardless of jurisdiction
Quick reporting increases the chances of recovering lost money, especially in financial fraud cases.
Never delete any data related to the fraud
Take clear screenshots with date and time visible
Act quickly—delays can reduce recovery chances
Keep both digital and physical copies of documents
Cyber crime complaints become much stronger when supported by proper documents and evidence. Whether it’s financial fraud, social media scams, or email-based crimes, preparing the right paperwork in advance can save time and improve outcomes.
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