Cyber Crime Alert: The Government of India has issued a fresh warning about fraudulent websites that impersonate the official cyber crime reporting portal. Cybercriminals are creating fake complaint portals designed to trick users into sharing sensitive personal information or making unnecessary payments. Citizens have been advised to verify website authenticity before reporting cyber fraud and to use only the official government platform for lodging complaints.

As cyber fraud cases continue to rise across the country, scammers are constantly developing new techniques to deceive internet users. One of the latest methods targets people searching online for the government's cyber crime complaint portal. Instead of reaching the genuine website, some users are being redirected to fraudulent pages that closely resemble the official portal.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and verify every website before entering personal details or financial information.

According to the government's advisory, cybercriminals are creating websites that imitate the appearance of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. These fake portals often appear in online search results or misleading advertisements, making it difficult for users to distinguish them from the legitimate government website.

Once a user visits one of these fraudulent websites, several deceptive tactics may be used, including:

• Displaying fake security alerts claiming the user's device has been blocked.
• Warning that the computer or smartphone has been infected or locked.
• Asking users to enter confidential personal or banking information.
• Demanding payment to "unlock" the device or resolve a fabricated security issue.

The primary objective of these fake portals is to steal money, personal data, banking credentials, or other sensitive information.

To help citizens identify fraudulent websites, government authorities have clarified several important points.

The official cyber crime reporting portal:

• Never asks users to make payments through pop-up messages.
• Does not lock or block a user's mobile phone, laptop, or computer.
• Never requests money to unlock a device.
• Does not display alarming warnings demanding immediate payment or action.

Officials have emphasized that any website showing such messages should be treated as suspicious and avoided immediately.

Users should remain alert if they notice any of the following while attempting to report a cyber crime:

• Unexpected pop-up messages claiming the device has been blocked.
• Requests for immediate payment to restore access.
• Pressure to share Aadhaar details, bank account numbers, OTPs, passwords, or card information.
• Suspicious website addresses that do not match the official government domain.
• Advertisements or search results that appear misleading or poorly designed.

Recognizing these warning signs can help users avoid becoming victims of online fraud.

The government has shared several safety measures that internet users should follow before filing a cyber crime complaint:

• Access the cyber crime reporting portal by typing the official website address directly into your browser instead of relying on random search results.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious advertisements, pop-ups, or unfamiliar links claiming to offer cyber crime assistance.
• Ignore any message stating that your device has been locked unless it comes from a trusted and verified source.
• Use only the official reporting tools available on the government portal to report suspicious websites or fraudulent links.
• Double-check the website address before entering any personal or financial information.

Following these simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fake complaint portals.

If you accidentally share sensitive information or lose money through an online scam, authorities recommend taking immediate action.

Victims should:

• Contact their bank or payment provider as soon as possible to secure their accounts.
• Report the incident through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
• Call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 immediately to report financial fraud and seek assistance.
• Preserve screenshots, transaction details, phone numbers, emails, or website links that may help investigators.

Prompt reporting improves the chances of stopping fraudulent transactions and assisting law enforcement in tracking cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity experts advise internet users to remain vigilant while searching for government services online. Fraudsters frequently copy the appearance of legitimate websites to gain the trust of unsuspecting users.

Before submitting any complaint, always verify that you are using the official government cyber crime portal. Avoid sharing confidential information with unverified websites, never respond to fake payment requests, and immediately report suspicious online activity through authorized government channels or by calling 1930.

Being cautious online remains one of the most effective ways to protect your personal information and finances from cyber fraud.