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While there isn't a universal definition of cybercrime, you can think of it as any criminal activity that takes place on the internet, or criminals using the internet to facilitate their criminal activity. This includes everything from fraud and identity theft to child exploitation and terrorism. Generally, report evidence of possible cybercrime to local, national, or international law enforcement, depending on the scope of the crime.[1] If you're unsure of the scope, start local and move up from there.
Steps
Write down a chronology of events. Start from the beginning, with your first contact with the perpetrator – even if that first contact was relatively benign. Write each event that occurred along with the date and time (if possible).[2]- This chronology will help you organize your report as well as figure out what kind of evidence you might have or be able to access. For example, if you were chatting with the perpetrator through social media, you may be able to pull up the history of those exchanges.
Keep electronic copies and files where possible. The source code of web pages, emails, and other electronic files contains information that can help law enforcement identify and locate the people involved in the incident. If you merely print up a hard copy of something online, law enforcement won't have access to this information.[3]- If the perpetrator has a web page through which they conduct their activities, save that webpage on your computer. It will be preserved in case the perpetrator deletes or alters the webpage to hide their activity.
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Take screen shots of online evidence you can't save. There are some places online, such as social media sites, that can't be saved the way a webpage or an email can. While a screen shot doesn't provide a lot of information that would be of use to law enforcement, it's better than nothing.[4]- Screen shots are also helpful, even if you have saved the webpage on your computer, because they provide date and time information for when you accessed the page.
Collect receipts, envelopes, and other related evidence. If you sent money or other property to the perpetrator, you may have receipts or other evidence that could be useful to law enforcement. Keep the originals and also make copies in case you need them.[5]- Preserve everything that is in any way related to the incident, even if you think it isn't relevant or doesn't include much information. You never know when a seemingly useless item may be a link that helps law enforcement piece everything together.
Start with your local law enforcement agency. While many countries have national methods for reporting cybercrime, your local law enforcement agency is most likely to have the tools to help you – particularly if you are a victim.[6]- In most cases, you should use the non-emergency number or go to your nearest police station in person. Only call the emergency number if you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger.
- If you go to the police station in person, bring all your evidence with you. If you call first, let the officer know what evidence you have. They will tell you when to bring it in and what steps you should take to preserve it.
Determine which agency is responsible for cybercrime in your area. Apart from local police, each country has different agencies that investigate and prosecute cybercrime. Which agency is responsible depends on the type of cybercrime you have to report.[7]- For example, in the US most types of cybercrime can be reported to your local FBI office. If the crime deals with drugs or explosives, you can also report it to the ATF.
- In Canada, report all cybercrime to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).
File a report online if possible. Many countries, including the US, Australia, and most countries in Europe, allow you to report cybercrime online. Your report will be evaluated by a cybercrime expert and referred to the appropriate authorities if necessary.[8]- For example, you can report cybercrime to the FBI in the US using the agency's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), available at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx. In Australia, go to https://www.acorn.gov.au/.
- For links to various European reporting sites, go to https://www.europol.europa.eu/report-a-crime/report-cybercrime-online and click on the country where you live.
- Online cybercrime reports may not necessarily be investigated further. These systems enable national law enforcement agencies to monitor cybercrime, identify patterns, and come up with preventative strategies.
Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers International. Law enforcement agencies in most countries won't allow you to file an anonymous report about cybercrime. However, if you want to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers International provides a method for you to do that.[9]- Crime Stoppers International uses encryption and other technical measures to protect your anonymity. The site does not log IP addresses. Once your tip is processed, it will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- To start your report, go to https://csiworld.org/report-cybercrime and click "Fill in Your Report."
Follow up on your report if necessary. In most cases, law enforcement will contact you if they need any information from you beyond your initial report. However, if something else happens related to the incident you reported, you should let law enforcement know.[10]- Law enforcement typically won't give you much information on the status of the investigation, unless you were a victim.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Include as many facts as possible in your report, even if you don't think they're relevant. Law enforcement will be more likely to follow up on detailed reports.[11]Thanks
- Get hard copies of all reports you file and keep them for your records. They may include important information, such as an officer's name or case number, that you'll need if you want to follow up.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ccips/reporting-computer-internet-related-or-intellectual-property-crime
- ↑ https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/identity-theft-fraud-cybercrime/reporting-cybercrime/
- ↑ https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/identity-theft-fraud-cybercrime/reporting-cybercrime/
- ↑ https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/identity-theft-fraud-cybercrime/reporting-cybercrime/
- ↑ https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/identity-theft-fraud-cybercrime/reporting-cybercrime/
- ↑ https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/identity-theft-fraud-cybercrime/reporting-cybercrime/
- ↑ https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ccips/reporting-computer-internet-related-or-intellectual-property-crime
- ↑ https://www.europol.europa.eu/report-a-crime/report-cybercrime-online
- ↑ https://csiworld.org/report-cybercrime
About This Article
While being the victim of a cyber crime can feel scary or unsettling, you can take control of the situation by properly reporting it. First, make sure you have evidence, like a journal of events, starting with your first encounter with the criminal. Write down each event that occurred, along with the date and time. When possible, keep electronic copies and files to help law enforcement identify and locate the people involved. If you can’t save certain information, take screenshots. Once you compile your evidence, call or go to the nearest police station with all of your evidence. While most local police departments can handle your complaint, some may refer you to another department, depending on the nature of the crime. You may also be able to file a report online with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. To learn how to follow up on your cybercrime report, keep reading!
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