Answers to common questions about cybercrime reporting, investigations, and how NCIC Report assists victims and the public.
Find answers to the most common questions about submitting a cybercrime report through the National Cyber Intelligence Center.
Any individual, business, or organization that has experienced or witnessed a cyber-related incident may submit a report through NCIC. Reports should contain accurate information and supporting evidence whenever possible.
No. Submitting a cybercrime report through NCIC is free. The reporting portal is designed to help victims organize their information and prepare structured reports.
You can report online scams, identity theft, financial fraud, cybercrime, romance scams, child exploitation, and other cyber-related incidents supported by the NCIC reporting system.
Yes. If you are reporting for another person, clearly explain your relationship to the victim and provide accurate information about the incident.
If additional information or evidence becomes available, keep it safely preserved. Procedures for updating reports may vary depending on the stage of review and any subsequent reporting to the appropriate authorities.
After successfully submitting your report, you should receive a confirmation or reference number that can be used for future correspondence regarding your submission.
Strong evidence helps create a clear understanding of an incident. Collect and preserve all available information before accounts, messages, or online content are removed.
Collect any information related to the incident, including screenshots, emails, text messages, chat conversations, social media interactions, financial records, payment confirmations, transaction receipts, account details, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, website URLs, phone numbers, usernames, and any other relevant documents.
Yes. Screenshots can help preserve conversations, advertisements, payment confirmations, account information, and webpages exactly as they appeared during the incident. Whenever possible, capture the full screen including the date, time, and website address.
Absolutely. Do not delete emails, text messages, chat logs, or direct messages. These communications often contain valuable information that helps establish a complete timeline of events.
Keep bank statements, payment confirmations, invoices, cryptocurrency transaction IDs, credit card statements, transfer receipts, invoices, and any documentation showing financial activity related to the incident.
Submit the information currently available and continue gathering additional evidence whenever possible. Even partial information may help build a more complete understanding of the incident.
If document uploads are available within the reporting system, include clear copies of relevant evidence. Ensure files remain readable, complete, and accurately represent the original information.
No. Avoid editing, cropping, or altering evidence whenever possible. Original files help preserve important details that may assist with future review or investigation.
Arrange documents and communications in chronological order. Group similar records together and clearly label files so the sequence of events is easy to understand. A well-organized case file improves clarity and helps present the incident more effectively.
NCIC is committed to responsible handling of information submitted through the reporting portal. The following answers explain how your information is managed during the reporting process.
Information submitted through the NCIC reporting portal is handled responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy practices. Access to submitted information should be limited to authorized personnel involved in reviewing and processing reports.
Personal information is collected to identify the reporting individual, understand the incident, communicate when necessary, and help organize reports into a structured case record.
Information may be used to support the reporting process and, where appropriate, assist with communication or referral to the relevant authorities. Information is not intended to be disclosed unnecessarily or for unrelated purposes.
The NCIC reporting portal is designed to provide a secure environment for submitting cybercrime reports. Users should also protect their own devices and internet connections when submitting sensitive information online.
Certain reports may require identifying information so investigators or appropriate authorities can better understand the incident or contact the reporting individual if clarification becomes necessary.
Information management practices depend on operational requirements, applicable policies, and legal obligations. Refer to the Privacy Policy for additional information regarding data handling and retention.
Understanding the reporting process helps set clear expectations. NCIC assists in organizing reports and supporting intelligence assessment while helping citizens prepare information for the appropriate authorities.
Your report is received by the NCIC reporting system, where the submitted information can be reviewed for completeness and organized into a structured case record. The process focuses on improving clarity and preserving the information you have provided.
NCIC supports cybercrime reporting, evidence organization, intelligence assessment, and public awareness. Criminal investigations remain the responsibility of the appropriate law enforcement or government agencies.
No. Submitting a report does not guarantee an investigation, prosecution, or recovery of lost funds. Decisions regarding enforcement actions remain with the appropriate authorities.
Updates may depend on the nature of the incident, the information provided, and any subsequent engagement with the appropriate authorities.
If you obtain new information after submitting your report, preserve it carefully. Additional evidence may be useful when updating your records or communicating with the relevant authorities.
Yes. Businesses and organizations may use the reporting system to document cyber incidents affecting their operations.
Reports may be submitted regardless of where the incident occurred. Include accurate location information whenever it is available.
Visit the NCIC Resources section for scam alerts, educational articles, prevention guides, and recovery resources designed to improve public awareness and cyber safety.
Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, verify requests before sending money, keep software updated, and remain alert to phishing attempts and suspicious online activity.
Use the NCIC reporting portal to begin preparing your structured cybercrime report. Select the reporting category that best matches your incident and follow the guided reporting process.
If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, explore our educational resources, learn more about NCIC, or begin your cybercrime report through our secure reporting portal.
Start a structured cybercrime report and organize your evidence using our guided reporting process.
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