You can think of it as any criminal activity that takes place on the internet, or criminals using the Internet to facilitate their crime.Fraud, identity theft, child exploitation, and terrorism are included.Depending on the scope of the crime, it's a good idea to report evidence of possible cybercrime to local, national, or international law enforcement.Start local and move up if you're unsure of the scope.
Step 1: A good way to remember events is to write them down.
Even if the first contact was benign, start from the beginning.If possible, write the events along with the date and time.This chronology will help you organize your report as well as figure out what kind of evidence you can get.If you were chatting with the person on social media, you may be able to see the history of the exchanges.
Step 2: Where possible, keep electronic copies and files.
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.Law enforcement won't have access to this information if you print a hard copy online.If the perpetrators have a web page, save it on your computer.It will be preserved if the perpetrators change the webpage to hide their activity.
Step 3: Screen shots of online evidence can't be saved.
Social media sites can't be saved the same way a website or email can be.A screen shot doesn't provide a lot of information, but it's better than nothing.Even if you have saved the page on your computer, screen shots can provide date and time information for when you accessed it.
Step 4: Receipts, envelopes, and other evidence should be collected.
You may have evidence that could be useful to law enforcement if you sent money to the person.Make copies of the originals if you need them.Even if you don't think it's relevant, keep everything related to the incident.Sometimes a seemingly useless item can be a link that helps law enforcement piece everything together.
Step 5: Your local law enforcement agency is where to start.
If you are a victim, your local law enforcement agency is most likely to have the tools to help you.You should go to your nearest police station if you use the non- emergency number.If you believe you or someone else is in danger, call the emergency number.Bring your evidence with you if you go to the police station in person.Let the officer know what you have.They will tell you when to bring it in and how to preserve it.
Step 6: Which agency is in charge of cybercrime in your area?
Each country has different agencies that investigate and prosecute cybercrime.Depending on the type of crime you have to report, which agency is responsible.Most types of cyber crime in the US can be reported to your local FBI office.If the crime involves drugs or explosives, you can report it to the ATF.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are in Canada.
Step 7: You can file a report online.
Many countries, including the US, Australia, and most countries in Europe, allow you to report online.If necessary, your report will be referred to the appropriate authorities.The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) can be used to report crime in the US.Go to acorn.gov.au in Australia.Click on the country where you live to find links to various European reporting sites.It is possible that online reports may not be investigated further.National law enforcement agencies can use these systems to monitor, identify, and come up with preventative strategies.
Step 8: You can report it to Crime Stoppers.
Most law enforcement agencies won't allow you to file an anonymous report.If you want to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers International has a way for you to do that.Technical measures are used to protect your anonymity.The site doesn't log addresses.Your tip will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency once processed.Click "Fill in Your Report" to start your report.
Step 9: If necessary, follow up on your report.
If law enforcement needs information beyond your initial report, they will contact you.You should let law enforcement know if something else happens after you reported it.Unless you are a victim, law enforcement won't give you much information about the investigation.