Cyber fraud in India is primarily governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Here’s a breakdown of the key laws and provisions:

🔐 1. Information Technology Act, 2000

Section 66C – Identity Theft

• Punishment for fraudulently using someone’s electronic signature, password, or any other unique identification.

• Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or fine up to ₹1 lakh.

Section 66D – Cheating by Personation Using Computer Resources

• Commonly used in online banking frauds, phishing, impersonation scams.

• Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or fine up to ₹1 lakh.

Section 66 – Hacking

• Covers unauthorized access to computer systems with malicious intent.

• Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or fine up to ₹5 lakh.

Section 43 – Penalty for Damage to Computer, Network, or Data

• Civil liability for unauthorized access, introducing viruses, or causing data disruption.

• Compensation: Up to ₹1 crore or more as decided by the adjudicating officer.

Section 72 – Breach of Confidentiality and Privacy

• For unauthorized access and sharing of personal information without consent.

• Punishment: Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or fine up to ₹1 lakh.

⚖️ 2. Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860

Section 419 – Cheating by Personation

• Used in cases of impersonation or phishing.

• Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or fine.

Section 420 – Cheating and Dishonestly Inducing Delivery of Property

• Widely used in cyber fraud cases involving financial loss.

• Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment and fine.

Section 468 – Forgery for Purpose of Cheating

• For forging electronic records or documents.

• Punishment: Up to 7 years imprisonment and fine.

Section 471 – Using Forged Document as Genuine

• Applicable when a forged digital document or data is used as real.

• Punishment: Same as for forging the document (up to 7 years and fine).

🧑‍💼 Reporting and Redressal Mechanisms

1. Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in

   • For reporting financial frauds, social media crimes, and cyberbullying.

2. Local Police Stations and Cyber Cells

   • Most states have dedicated cyber crime cells.

3. Adjudicating Officers & Cyber Appellate Tribunal

   • For civil matters under the IT Act (up to ₹5 crore).

🛡️ Preventive Measures

• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

• Avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal data.

• Regularly monitor bank and financial statements.

• Educate employees and family members about online threats.