Frequently, one person will threaten to ruin the other’s reputation, blackmail them, or defame them in order to torment them. In India, it is illegal to engage in either blackmail or harassment. While unlawful and unwelcoming activities are the source of harassment, blackmailing is the use of threats as a kind of compulsion to divulge or disseminate false information about an individual.

Blackmailing involves-

*Threat to reveal or publicise false information about an individual or true and confidential information.

*Information that lands the individual in false criminal prosecution

*Any threat pertaining to physical, mental, or emotional harm

*Usually done to meet demands of the offender such as personal gain, vengeance, power, position, money, property, etc.

Blackmailing is a serious offence and provision under section 384 of Indian Penal Code can be used to describe it. Blackmailing can also amount to criminal intimidation. Criminal intimidation has been well defined under the substantive provisions of Section 503 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.  Blackmailing can also be punished under section 384 of the Indian Penal Code which provides punishments for extortion.

What should one do if they find themselves the target of harassment and blackmail?

Make a grievance! Yes, please prepare a complaint and file it as soon as possible at the closest police station. This is the first thing you may do: file a formal complaint (FIR) with the local police station and serve the offender with a legal notice of the same. In addition to filing a complaint with the closest police station, if blackmail has occurred online or on social media, a complaint can also be made with the cyber cell.

A complaint of blackmailing can be filed online through the National Cyber Crime Portal under two heads, cybercrime against women and children and other cybercrimes.

The most effective way to file a complaint against blackmailing (online cases) is to reach out to a cybercrime cell where individuals who cannot pay costs or lack necessary information can still make a written complaint of the same. You have to provide your details such as name, contact number, and email address along with the act of blackmailing and details of the offender as known at that time.

If you are the one and unable to seek help from other authorities, you can visit the National Commission for Women to file a harassment or blackmailing complaint.

Adv. Khanak Sharma

15 Replies to “How to file complaint against Blackmailing”

  1. There is a fraud call in face of a police inspector or something blackmailing youths to deposit such and such amount of money so they can stop publishing their private videos on social media however this call is done by the same person who is blackmailing to viral it. .. I’m posting that number +91 8260483597

    1. by Advocate Tanwar 3 months ago

      The fraudulent call made by the individual impersonating a police inspector and blackmailing youths to deposit money to prevent the publication of private videos constitutes multiple criminal offenses under Indian laws.

      Impersonation: The impersonation of a police officer or public servant is punishable under Section 170 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which states that whoever pretends to hold any particular office as a public servant, knowing that they do not hold such office or falsely represents themselves as a public servant, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or both.
      Extortion: The act of demanding money from individuals under the threat of publishing their private videos on social media constitutes extortion, punishable under Section 383 of the IPC. This section states that whoever unlawfully extorts any property or valuable security by putting any person in fear of any injury to that person or any other, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
      Criminal Intimidation: The threats made to the youths with the intention of causing them fear and coercing them into depositing money amount to criminal intimidation under Section 503 of the IPC. This section states that whoever threatens another with any injury to their person, reputation, or property, or to the person or reputation of anyone in whom they are interested, with intent to cause alarm to that person or to cause that person to do any act which they are not legally bound to do or to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
      Therefore, the individual making fraudulent calls with the intention of blackmailing and extorting money from youths is liable to be prosecuted under the aforementioned sections of the IPC. It is advisable to report such incidents to the police authorities for further investigation and legal action.

    2. I have been getting calls fro xx no +914461741404 / +914440172804 /+918925510904 they are trying to black me stating that my voice is being recorded as my name & phone no has been noted under money laundering/ And may time some other i have just cut the phone & put it under block list but still i get calls.

      1. by Advocate Tanwar 2 months ago

        Receiving calls from unknown numbers claiming involvement in criminal activities such as money laundering can be alarming and stressful. In India, such calls are often scams intended to intimidate or defraud individuals. Here are the steps you can take to address this situation according to Indian laws:

        Do Not Engage: Avoid engaging with the caller. Do not share any personal information or make any payments.

        Block the Numbers: You have already blocked the numbers, which is a good step. Continue to do so for any new suspicious numbers.

        Report to Authorities: Report these incidents to the Cyber Crime Cell of your local police. You can file a complaint online via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

        Contact Your Telecom Service Provider: Inform your telecom service provider about these calls. They may be able to provide additional support or guidance.

        DND Service: Ensure your number is registered with the National Do Not Call (NDNC) registry to reduce the likelihood of receiving such calls.

        Legal Provisions: Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), various sections deal with cyber fraud and harassment. Sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act pertain to identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources, respectively. Section 507 of the IPC deals with criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication.

        Record and Document: Keep a record of all the calls, including the phone numbers, time, and any messages received. This documentation can be helpful when reporting to authorities.

        By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and ensure that the relevant authorities are aware of the scam.

  2. by nisar bhat 6 months ago

    A high profil person is blacking, please help. I cant file fir in police station as they keep following me?

    1. by Advocate Tanwar 3 months ago

      If you’re being blackmailed by a high-profile individual and feel unsafe filing a First Information Report (FIR) directly at a police station due to concerns of being followed or harassed, there are alternative legal avenues you can explore to seek protection and recourse under Indian laws.

      Approach a Legal Aid Organization: There are numerous legal aid organizations and NGOs in India that provide free or low-cost legal assistance to individuals facing various forms of harassment or abuse. These organizations can offer guidance on your legal rights and options, assist you in drafting a complaint or representation, and may even provide representation in court if necessary.
      File a Complaint Online: Many Indian states offer the facility to file police complaints or FIRs online through their respective police department websites. This option allows you to submit a complaint from the safety and privacy of your own home, reducing the risk of being followed or harassed by the perpetrator. Online complaints are typically followed up by the police, who may contact you for further information or to initiate an investigation.
      Seek Protective Measures: If you fear for your safety due to the blackmail or harassment, you can apply for protective measures under Indian laws. For example, you may seek an order of protection or a restraining order from the appropriate court, directing the perpetrator to cease all forms of contact or harassment against you. Violation of such orders can result in legal consequences for the perpetrator.
      Document Evidence: It’s crucial to document any evidence of the blackmail or harassment, such as threatening messages, emails, or recordings, as this can strengthen your case and support your allegations. Preserve any relevant evidence securely and consider sharing it with trusted individuals or legal professionals who can assist you in taking appropriate legal action.
      Consult a Legal Professional: If you’re unsure about your legal options or feel overwhelmed by the situation, consider consulting with a qualified legal professional, such as a Advocate, who specializes in criminal law or harassment cases. A legal expert can assess your case, provide personalized advice, and represent your interests effectively in legal proceedings.

      In conclusion, while facing blackmail or harassment from a high-profile individual can be daunting, it’s essential to remember that you have legal rights and options available to seek protection and justice. By reaching out to legal aid organizations, filing complaints online, seeking protective measures, documenting evidence, and consulting with a legal professional, you can take proactive steps to address the situation and hold the perpetrator accountable under Indian laws.

      you can visit our office – Unit 226-227 vipul business park, Gurugram or get legal consultancy through our phone number- 9311520259, or email at [email protected]

  3. My ex boyfriend have my nudes and he’s blackmailing continuously that he will upload

    1. by Advocate Tanwar 3 months ago

      Your ex-boyfriend’s actions of blackmailing you with the threat of uploading your intimate images constitute serious criminal offenses under Indian laws.

      Extortion: Blackmailing you with the intention of causing fear and coercing you into compliance constitutes extortion under Section 383 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This offense carries imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
      Criminal Intimidation: Threatening to publish your private images to cause harm or distress amounts to criminal intimidation under Section 503 of the IPC. This offense carries imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
      It’s imperative to report this matter to the police immediately, providing evidence such as screenshots or recordings of the threats. Seek legal assistance to protect your rights and initiate legal action against your ex-boyfriend for his unlawful behavior.

      you can visit our office – Unit 226-227 vipul business park, Gurugram or get legal consultancy through our phone number- 9311520259, or email at [email protected]

  4. by Aashvi yadav 5 months ago

    Mujhe sanpchat pe blackmail ki ja rahi hai ki main tumhare personal photo video viral kar dunga

    1. by Advocate Tanwar 3 months ago

      Hi Aashvi,
      For the circumstances like these, you can inform a female police officer near your area and take their help and provide all the information truthfully to them and you can even ask them to not to involve your family in this. Or you can file a complaint directly under the Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which provides punishment of 2 years imprisonment and Rs.2000 fine on first conviction and for second and subsequent conviction the punishment shall extend to 5 years imprisonment and Rs.5000 fine. Further details are provided in the article.

  5. My friend name tushar blackmail me for my video with gf… and say to give 1 lakhs rupees otherwise they viral the video

    1. by Advocate Tanwar 3 months ago

      In India, blackmailing someone with the threat of disclosing private videos or images, especially of a sexual nature, constitutes a serious offense under the legal framework. Such actions fall under the purview of extortion, as defined in Section 383 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

      Section 383 of the IPC states that whoever unlawfully extorts any property or valuable security by putting any person in fear of any injury to that person or any other, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.

      Additionally, the threat to disclose private videos or images with the intent to cause harm, humiliation, or financial loss to the victim may also amount to criminal intimidation under Section 503 of the IPC. Criminal intimidation is defined as intentionally putting a person in fear of injury to themselves or to any other person, in order to induce them to commit an act or to omit to do any act which they have a lawful right to do.

      Moreover, the dissemination of private videos or images without consent can also constitute an offense under the Information Technology Act, 2000, specifically Section 66E which deals with the violation of privacy. This section states that whoever intentionally or knowingly captures, publishes, or transmits the image of a private area of any person without their consent, under circumstances violating the privacy of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years or with a fine not exceeding two lakh rupees, or both.

      In your case, if your friend Tushar is threatening to disclose the private video with your girlfriend unless you pay him one lakh rupees, he is engaging in extortion and criminal intimidation. You have the right to report this matter to the authorities, such as the police, and seek legal action against Tushar for his unlawful actions. It is important to gather evidence, such as screenshots or recordings of the threats made by Tushar, to support your case. Additionally, seeking the assistance of a legal professional can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

      you can visit our office – Unit 226-227 vipul business park, Gurugram or get legal consultancy through our phone number- 9311520259, or email at [email protected]

  6. Mere Bhai ne kuch bato bato me mujhse personal batte ki or unhe record kr liya ab vo mujhe blackmail kr rha hai
    Usne recording Ghar walo ko dikha di hai sir pls help me

    1. by Advocate Tanwar 3 months ago

      Hello Soyam,
      We understand the distress you’re facing. Recording personal conversations without consent for blackmail is a serious breach of privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and may constitute Criminal Intimidation under Section 503 IPC. Firstly, talk to your family about whole incident, then you may consider the following steps to take legal action against your brother to prevent any future act like this by-
      1.Filing a Police Complaint: Provide details and evidence of the blackmail attempt to law enforcement. Or,
      2. By filing a Civil Suit: Consider legal action for invasion of privacy and damages.
      We suggest it is important to act promptly and seek appropriate legal advice to protect your rights and interests. Additionally, document all communication and evidence related to the blackmail attempt, as this may be valuable in case of future legal proceedings.
      If needed feel free to reach out to us for further assistance via our Phone no. – 9311520259, or email at [email protected], or by visiting our office in person located at Unit No. 226-227, Vipul Business Park, Sohna Road, Sector 48, Gurugram, 122018, India.

  7. by Manisha 1 month ago

    Mere ex ne mujhe uske sath firse relationship mai aane ke liye bol Raha hai nahi to woh mere kuch pics upload kar dega kehke blackmail kar raha hai please help

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