In this article · 7 sections
A copied article can be edited, a fake page deleted, a scam domain moved. Before you send a notice or file a complaint, capture evidence of online infringement. Good evidence makes hosts, platforms, registrars and lawyers act faster.
What to capture
- Full-page screenshots showing the URL bar, date and time (use your browser's full-page capture or a PDF print)
- The exact URLs of every infringing page, image or post
- Your original: your page URL, original photo files with metadata, draft files, invoices for commissioned work
- Timeline proof: when your content was published (CMS dates, sitemap dates, social post dates)
- WHOIS and hosting details of the infringing site. See WHOIS lookup
- Customer confusion: messages, calls or reviews showing people were misled
- Payment proof if anyone was defrauded (UPI references, bank statements, chats)
Use public archives
- Save the page on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine ("Save Page Now") to create an independent timestamped copy
- Check the Wayback Machine for your own site's older snapshots to prove you published first
Keep an evidence log
A simple sheet with: date captured, URL, what it shows, file name, who captured it. Keep files unedited; don't crop out the URL or date.
Tips
- Capture on desktop and mobile if the page differs
- Record video while scrolling for dynamic pages or apps
- For social media, capture the profile URL, post URL, handle and posting date
- Don't log in to, pay or interact with a suspected scam site
Electronic evidence in Indian courts
Electronic records can be used as evidence in India, but courts may require a certificate about how they were produced (traditionally under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, now carried into the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023). If litigation is likely, ask a lawyer how to preserve and certify evidence.
Where to send it
- Hosted by us? Use the Joboo Web legal request form, which accepts documents and screenshots
- Copyright issues elsewhere: see report copyright infringement
- Fraud: cybercrime.gov.in or helpline 1930
FAQs
Is a phone screenshot enough?
It helps, but include the URL and date. Combine with an archive copy where possible.
How long should I keep evidence?
Until the matter is fully closed, and longer if legal action is possible.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
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