HOW CAN YOU REPORT A CYBER CRIME ?
We all are more or less familiar with the term “cybercrime”. As modern technology has made people’s lives easier and easier, it has also created new opportunities for criminals to commit crimes. Due to wide spread of modern technology, criminals are always finding new ways to commit crimes.
what to do if you are a victim of cybercrime and how can you report a cyber crimeto the relevant authorities. We will be discussing below how to report a cyber crime in USA, European Union, Germany ,Japan, Australia, Canada & China.
HOW TO REPORT A CYBER CRIME IN USA ?
Local law enforcement agency : Start by contacting with your local law enforcement agency or police. They will guide you to the relevant department . File a complaint and try to give them as much details as you can. The more details you can provide the more it will be easy to track down the criminal.
Apart from local police, every country have law agencies that works on different crimes. For examples DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) in US are responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations & FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)are responsible for enforcing federal laws related to cybercrime.
By reporting to the appropriate department, you can be a part of creating safe internet for everyone.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): In US you can file a complaint withIC3. To report an internet crime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Follow These steps
STEP 1 : Visit their websites Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
STEP 2 : You will find a option “File a complaint” on home page. Just click on it.
STEP 3 : Then you will find some guide lines on what types of complaint you want to place.
Review it before placing a complaint. Then click on File a complaint.
STEP 4 : A complaint form will be displayed. Fill up the form & click next.
STEP 5 : Provide as much information you can, including information about the incident, like type of crime, if their any parties are involved or not , any evidence that is relevant to a specific crime, any screen shots or emails etc. Consider attaching all of these documents.
STEP 6 : you also need to provide your personal informations, like your name , your contact number, or any other relevant information required on the form.
STEP 7 : Review everything before submitting, incase if anyrelevantinformation that you missed. Then submit it.
STEP 8 : After submitting your complaint form , you will receive a confirmation text . take note if any reference number you were provided. This will help you to track your complaints status.
NOTE : IC3 only deals with cyber crimes or internet related crimes. If the crime is different then you have to contact with other law agencies.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is the lead government organization for cyber crime in USA, also have partnership with IC3. The FBI has specialized units, Such as cyber division that is charged with investigating cybercrimes. If the cybercrime involves direct threat, you can contact your local FBI field office. Find the nearest FBI office.
- Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF) : The Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF) focuses on investigating electronic crimes, including cybercrime. ECTF is a specialized unit of the United States Secret Service (USSS). The primary goal of the ECTF (Electronic Crimes Task Force) is to investigate and combat cyber crimes . You can just contact with your areas ECTF’s field office by vising their United States Secret Service.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a U.S. federal agency that operates under the leadership of the Secretary of Homeland Security. The DHS cover areas such as national security, immigration, cybersecurity, and more. You can contact with nearest homeland security office by visiting their United States Secret Service.
Always remember when you are filing a complaint, provide as much information as you can. Timely reporting is very important for investigating & make sure the information you are providing is accurate.