Received Cyber Crime Notice? What to Do Next ?
In today’s digital world, receiving a cyber crime notice, police summon under Section 91 CrPC, or a legal communication under Section 14C of the IT Act can be alarming. Whether it is due to a suspicious financial transaction, a frozen bank account, or your name being linked to a fraud case—how you respond is crucial.
This guide explains what you should do immediately, your legal rights, and how to respond correctly if you have received a cyber crime notice.
1. Understand What the Notice Means
Cyber crime notices can be sent for various reasons, such as:
A complaint filed against your bank account (e.g., in UPI fraud, betting apps, gaming apps, USDT transactions, or money laundering)
Involvement as a beneficiary or intermediary in an online scam
Receiving or sending money linked to an illegal or fraudulent activity
Your phone number, email ID, or IP address being flagged in cyber investigations
These notices are typically issued under:
Section 91 of CrPC – Request to provide information/documents
Section 160 of CrPC – Summoning as a witness or for questioning
Section 14C of IT Act – Inquiry by Cyber Cell
Sections 420, 406, 467, 468 IPC and 66C, 66D of IT Act in fraud-related cases
2. Don’t Panic – But Act Quickly
Do not ignore any cyber notice. Failing to respond may lead to:
Your bank account remaining on hold or being seized
FIR being filed without your side of the story
LOC (Look Out Circular) in serious cases
Police visiting your residence for further inquiry
3. Steps to Follow After Receiving a Cyber Crime Notice
(a) Read Carefully
Examine who issued the notice — Cyber Cell, Police Station, or Court — and under what sections.
(b) Consult a Cyber Crime Advocate
A lawyer experienced in cyber law will guide you to:
Draft the appropriate legal reply
File an application to unfreeze your account
Apply for anticipatory bail, if required
Represent you in police or court proceedings
(c) Gather Evidence
Keep the following ready:
Proof of transactions (bank statements, chat history, platform logs)
Your Aadhaar, PAN, and other ID copies
Any communication showing your innocence or lack of intent
(d) Respond Formally
Your lawyer can file a proper legal reply and, if required, request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Cyber Cell.
4. Common Reasons People Receive Cyber Notices
Funds received from fraudulent P2P crypto transactions (like USDT)
Involvement in fake online job scams
Digital gaming or betting apps transferring suspicious winnings
Misuse of your identity in SIM swap or KYC fraud
Use of your account by a friend/relative for unknown purposes
5. Types of Cyber Crimes as per Law
| Type of Cyber Crime | Relevant Sections |
|---|---|
| Online Fraud/Scam | IPC 420, IT Act 66D |
| Identity Theft | IT Act 66C, IPC 468 |
| Online Betting/Gambling | IPC 294A, State Laws |
| Money Laundering | PMLA 2002, IPC 406 |
| Social Media Impersonation | IPC 469, IT Act 66E |
| Crypto Transaction Fraud | IPC 420, FEMA/PMLA (as applicable) |
6. Safety Tips to Avoid Cyber Legal Trouble
Avoid lending your account or receiving unknown funds
Never play on illegal betting apps or suspicious platforms
Verify any online job offer, investment opportunity, or crypto trade
Use strong passwords and enable 2FA
Report cyber frauds quickly on cybercrime.gov.in
Receiving a cyber crime notice does not always mean you are guilty. However, ignoring or mishandling it can escalate the issue. Immediate legal advice, proper documentation, and a professional response are essential.
https://youtu.be/Ah2BP_D3Twg?si=EdVHrWs8biVXI7on
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for general awareness regarding cyber crime notices and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. For any legal proceeding or notice, please consult a licensed advocate experienced in cyber law.
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