You can think of it as any criminal activity that takes place on the internet, or criminals using the Internet to facilitate their crime.This includes everything from child exploitation to terrorism.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: Write down the events in chronological order.
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 through social media, you may be able to see the history of the exchanges.
Step 2: Where possible, keep electronic copies.
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 just print a hard copy online.If the perpetrators have a web page that they conduct their activities on, you should save that page on your computer.It will be preserved if the perpetrators change the webpage to hide their activity.
Step 3: You can take screen shots of online evidence.
Social media sites can't be saved the same way as a website or email can be.A screen shot doesn't provide a lot of information, but it's better than nothing.If you have saved the page on your computer, the screen shots will give you time and date information.
Step 4: Receipt, 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 the incident is relevant, keep everything related to it.You never know when a seemingly useless item can be used to help law enforcement.
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.If you need to go to the police station in person, you should use the non- emergency number.If you believe you or someone else is in danger, call the emergency number.Bring your evidence with you to the police station.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 responsible for the crime in your area?
Each country has different agencies that investigate and prosecute cyber crimes.Depending on the type of crime you have to report, which agency is responsible.Most types of cyber crime can be reported to your local FBI office.If the crime involves drugs or explosives, you can also report it to the ATF.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is in Canada.
Step 7: You can file a report online.
The US, Australia, and most countries in Europe allow you to report online.If necessary, your report will be referred to the appropriate authorities for evaluation.The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center can be used to report crime in the US.Go to acorn.gov.au in Australia.You can find links to various European reporting sites by clicking on the country where you live.Online reports may not be looked into 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 International.
In most countries, law enforcement agencies won't allow you to file an anonymous report.If you want to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers International has a method for you to use.Technical measures are used to protect your anonymity.The site doesn't have any logs of addresses.Your tip will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency once processed.Click on "Fill in Your Report" to start your report.
Step 9: If necessary, follow up on your report.
If law enforcement needs any information beyond your initial report, they will contact you.You should let law enforcement know if something else happens after you reported the incident.Unless you are a victim, law enforcement won't give you much information about the investigation.