Received a Cyber Crime Notice from Gurugram Police? Here's What to Do First

If you've received a notice from the Gurugram Cyber Cell or a local police station referencing a cyber crime complaint, your first reaction is probably panic — followed by the question everyone asks: "Is this even real, and what happens if I ignore it?" Both questions matter, and the answers determine what you should do in the next 48 hours.

What a Cyber Crime Notice Actually Means

A notice under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) — most commonly under Section 35 or Section 94, the provisions dealing with attendance of persons and production of documents — is typically issued when the police have received a complaint that names you, your bank account, your phone number, or your IP address in connection with an alleged cyber offence. This could range from a UPI fraud complaint, a hacking allegation, an online harassment case, or even a case where your identity was used without your knowledge.

Importantly, receiving a notice does not mean you have been arrested, charged, or convicted. It means the police want your presence, a statement, or specific documents to take the investigation forward.

Step 1: Verify the Notice Is Genuine

Cyber criminals often impersonate the police to extort money — a scam known as "digital arrest." A genuine notice will:

• Be issued on official letterhead with a specific FIR number or complaint reference
• Come from a named police station or Cyber Cell with verifiable contact details
• Never demand money over phone or video call to "settle" the matter

If you're unsure, do not respond directly — get the notice verified by a lawyer before taking any action.

Step 2: Do Not Ignore It

Ignoring a legitimate police notice can result in coercive steps, including a warrant of arrest for non-appearance. Even if you believe the complaint against you is baseless, silence is read as non-cooperation.

Step 3: Do Not Go Alone or Unprepared

Many people make the mistake of walking into a police station without understanding what they can and cannot be asked, and without a written record of what was said. You have the right to:

• Know the exact allegation and section of law involved
• Have a lawyer accompany you or be within visual (though not necessarily audible) distance during interrogation, as per Supreme Court guidelines
• Refuse to sign any statement you have not read or do not agree with

Step 4: Gather Your Digital Evidence Early

In most cyber cases — whether it is a disputed transaction, an allegation of hacking, or misuse of your SIM or bank account — timelines and digital trails matter enormously. Before you respond to the notice, compile:

• Bank statements and transaction alerts for the relevant period
• Call detail records or messages relevant to the allegation
• Screenshots of any suspicious activity, if you are the one who flagged it

Step 5: Understand the Difference Between a Witness and an Accused

Notices are sometimes issued to witnesses whose bank accounts or numbers were merely used as a conduit — for instance, in mule account cases where a fraudster routes stolen money through an innocent person's account. If you fall in this category, your legal strategy is completely different from that of a named accused, and this distinction should be clarified as early as possible with your lawyer.

Common Situations That Trigger These Notices

Why Legal Representation Matters at This Stage

Cyber cases move fast once digital evidence enters the picture, and statements made in the first police interaction are difficult to walk back later. Having a lawyer review the notice, prepare you for questioning, and if necessary, apply for anticipatory bail proactively, can prevent a manageable situation from escalating into custodial interrogation.

The single biggest mistake people make with cyber crime notices is treating them as something to handle alone over a weekend. A short consultation before you respond can change the entire trajectory of the case.

Get the Right Advice Before You Respond

Advocate Rajat Kadyan practises cyber crime and criminal law in Gurugram, and regularly represents clients who have received notices from the Cyber Cell, Economic Offences Wing, and local police stations. If you or someone you know has received a cyber crime notice, get in touch before your first appearance — early legal guidance often makes the difference between a quick resolution and a prolonged legal battle. Contact Advocate Rajat Kadyan for a confidential consultation.