If someone is harassing, threatening or scamming you online, you don’t have to handle it alone. Here is what to do, in order.
Please note: this guide is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 112 now.
1. Make sure you’re safe first
If someone has threatened to hurt you, knows where you are, or you feel unsafe right now, call 112. Tell someone you trust what is happening. You don’t need to finish the steps below before asking for help.
2. Save the evidence
Before you block anyone, collect what you’ll need for a report:
- screenshots that show the username or profile, the messages and the date and time
- links (URLs) to the profile, post or chat
- any payment details, such as UPI IDs, transaction IDs or bank statements, if money is involved
- emails, phone numbers or other accounts the person used
Keep the originals in a safe folder. Don’t forward or re-upload intimate images or videos, even to prove what happened. Describe them and share the link or a reference instead.
3. Stop engaging, then block
You don’t owe the person a reply. Stop responding, then block the account so it can’t contact you again. If they are threatening to share photos or demanding money, don’t pay: payment rarely ends the threats.
4. Report the account in the app
Most apps let you report a user, message or post from a menu next to it. Choose the closest reason and add a short description. A report asks the platform to review the issue. Blocking and reporting together usually work best.
On BeAnon, you will be able to report a user or message, block them and leave the conversation from the chat. See the Safety Center and the Community Guidelines for how reports are handled.
5. Escalate to the platform’s grievance officer
If the in-app report doesn’t help, platforms operating in India publish contact details for a grievance officer, usually in their terms, privacy policy or help centre. Under India’s IT Rules, 2021, they must acknowledge a complaint within 24 hours and resolve it within 15 days. For content showing nudity, sexual acts or morphed images of you, the rules require removal within 24 hours of your complaint.
If you disagree with the grievance officer’s decision, you can appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee within 30 days.
6. File a complaint on the cybercrime portal
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is the government’s site for reporting cybercrime, with a focus on crimes against women and children. To file most complaints you register with your name and an Indian mobile number, describe what happened and upload your evidence. You’ll receive a complaint reference to track it.
Complaints about child sexual abuse material or rape and gang-rape content can be filed without giving your personal details. You can also go to your nearest police station or cyber cell.
7. If money is involved, call 1930 quickly
For online financial fraud, call 1930, India’s cybercrime helpline, as soon as possible. Quick reporting helps authorities try to stop or freeze the transaction. Also tell your bank and change any passwords or PINs you may have shared.
8. If intimate images are involved
- Report the content to the platform and ask for removal. The 24-hour removal rule described above applies.
- Adults can use StopNCII.org. It creates a digital fingerprint of the image on your device, so the image itself is not uploaded, and participating platforms use it to block matching uploads.
- If the images show someone under 18, don’t save or share them. Report them on cybercrime.gov.in. The Take It Down service run by NCMEC is designed for images taken when someone was under 18.
For more detail on photo threats, read what to do if someone threatens to leak your photos.
9. Look after yourself
Online harassment can be upsetting even when it stays online. Talk to someone you trust, take breaks from the app, and remember that what happened is not your fault. If you are struggling, a doctor or counsellor can help.
FAQ
Can I report cybercrime online in India?
Yes. Use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in. For online financial fraud, also call 1930 as soon as possible.
What evidence should I keep?
Keep screenshots showing the username, messages and time, links to the profile or content, and any payment or transaction details. Don’t forward intimate images as evidence.
How quickly must a platform respond to my complaint?
Under India’s IT Rules, 2021, a platform’s grievance officer must acknowledge a complaint within 24 hours and resolve it within 15 days. Content showing nudity or morphed images must be removed within 24 hours of a complaint.
Should I pay someone who is threatening me?
No. Paying rarely stops the threats. Stop replying, save evidence, block and report the account, and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
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