How to Submit a Hacking Complaint
By Megan Harman
Businesses and individuals who use the Internet are vulnerable to a wide range of cyber crimes, such as online extortion, identity theft and computer hacking. Hacking occurs when someone secretly invades your computer, gaining the ability to install hidden software, spy on your Internet surfing, steal your personal information and send spam from your computer. If you become a victim of hacking, it is important to report the incident to authorities to help them prevent hackers from carrying out further attacks.
Step 1
Go to the website of the Internet Crime Complaint Center, known as the IC3, which is a partnership between the FBI, the National White Collar Crime Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance that handles Internet-related criminal complaints. The IC3 processes complaints and refers them to the appropriate federal, state, local or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for possible investigation.
Step 2
Click on "File a Complaint" on the menu bar at the top of the home page on the Internet Crime Complaint Center website. Read through the terms and conditions outlined on that page, and click on the "I Accept" button at the bottom of the page.
Step 3
Fill out the complaint reporting form. You’ll be required to provide your name, age, gender, mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address. Also provide specific details on the hacking incident, the damage it caused and any other relevant information necessary to support your complaint.
Step 4
Verify that the Internet Crime Complaint Center has received the hacking complaint you submitted by checking your e-mail account for a confirmation receipt. The confirmation e-mail will contain your complaint identification number and a password. It also will contain a link to a section of the IC3 website where you can view your complaint, and if necessary, add more information to the complaint. If you do not receive this confirmation e-mail, contact the IC3 through the contact form on its website.
References
Writer Bio
Megan Harman is based in Toronto, Ontario, and has been writing professionally since 2002. Her work has been published in "Canadian Business Magazine," the "National Post," the "Globe and Mail," "Investment Executive Newspaper" and "Journey Magazine." She has completed the Canadian Securities Course and holds a Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in economics from Carleton University.