How to Report Online Fraud in India: 1930 + cybercrime.gov.in (Step-by-Step)

If you were scammed in the last 24 hours — do this now

The first hour is when fraudulent transactions can still be intercepted. Do these four things in parallel:

Call 1930 (cyber-crime helpline) and report the fraud.
Open cybercrime.gov.in on another device and start a complaint.
Call your bank’s fraud line (printed on the back of your card or in your banking app) and request a transaction block.
Stop talking to the scammer. Don’t delete chats; just stop responding.

How the 1930 helpline works

1930 is a national cyber-crime helpline. When you call, you’ll be asked for basic facts: when the fraud happened, how much money was lost, which UPI app or bank you used, and the receiving UPI ID / account number if you have it. The operator can issue a ticket and route it to your state cyber-cell. They will also typically prompt you to file the detailed complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

Calling distance: from anywhere in India, anytime.
Speak clearly and have the transaction reference number ready.
Note your acknowledgement / ticket number the operator gives you.
Don’t share OTPs or new passwords during the call. A real helpline will never ask for them.

Filing a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal lets you file a written complaint with attachments. You can report as a citizen using your mobile number (OTP login). For financial fraud, choose the “Financial Fraud” category and the appropriate sub-type (UPI fraud, online betting fraud, fake investment, etc.).

Be ready to provide:

Date, time, and amount of each transaction.
The receiving UPI ID, bank account number, IFSC, or wallet ID.
The scammer’s phone numbers, WhatsApp/Telegram handles, and website URLs.
Screenshots of chats, payment confirmations, and any app screens.
Your bank statement for the period of the fraud.

Once filed, you’ll get an acknowledgement number. Keep it safe — you’ll need it for every follow-up.

Telling your bank — and why it matters

Your bank is a separate, independent channel and can act faster than law enforcement on the money trail. Under RBI’s “limited liability” framework, if you report unauthorised transactions promptly, your liability may be reduced or eliminated. Specifically:

Report within 3 working days for the strongest protection on truly unauthorised transactions.
Use the fraud-specific phone line, not general customer care, and ask for a complaint reference number.
Follow up in writing via your bank’s grievance email or portal.
Ask the bank to flag the receiving account/UPI as suspicious.

If a payment ever went to a personal UPI handle on the instructions of a stranger, that’s a key fact — tell the bank explicitly.

What evidence to save (and how)

Investigations live or die on documentation. Build a single folder on your phone or laptop with:

Bank/UPI screenshots showing each transaction reference (UTR / RRN).
Bank statement PDFs for the period of the fraud.
Chat exports from WhatsApp and Telegram (use the built-in export tool — don’t just screenshot).
Phone numbers, handles, and profile screenshots of the scammer/agent.
URLs, app links, and screenshots of the platform they directed you to.
Your own timeline notes: what was said, when, what was promised.

Don’t delete anything, even abusive messages after you stop responding. Don’t edit screenshots. If you must censor personal info before sharing publicly, keep the originals untouched.

After you report — what to expect

Be realistic and patient: cyber-crime cases take time. What typically happens:

You receive an acknowledgement number from the portal.
Your case is forwarded to the appropriate state cyber-cell, which may call you for additional details.
Your bank investigates the transactions and responds with their finding under the RBI framework.
If the receiving account is identified, banks can be directed to freeze it — recovery, when it happens, usually goes through this route.

Keep records of every call, email, and SMS reference. If your case is not progressing, you can escalate to your state cyber-crime cell or, for banking issues, the RBI Banking Ombudsman.

If your Aadhaar, PAN or KYC documents were shared

Treat this as identity-theft prevention, not just fraud reporting:

Lock your Aadhaar biometrics via the UIDAI website or mAadhaar app.
Check your credit report at one of the bureaus (CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, CRIF) for any unfamiliar enquiry or loan.
Be alert for OTP / SIM-swap attempts — set up an additional PIN with your telecom operator if available.
Change passwords on email and banking; enable two-factor authentication everywhere.

Get human help (free and confidential)

Financial fraud is overwhelming. You don’t have to manage it alone:

Cyber-crime helpline: 1930
National portal: cybercrime.gov.in
Mental-health support: Tele-MANAS 14416 or 1800-891-4416, and KIRAN: 1800-599-0019.
If a family member is in distress, the same helplines can advise you, not just them.

Frequently asked questions

How fast should I call 1930 after a scam?

Immediately. The faster you report, the higher the chance the receiving account can be frozen and money intercepted. Even a few hours’ delay materially reduces recovery odds.

Do I need a written complaint if I’ve already called 1930?

Yes. The phone call creates a ticket, but the detailed written complaint at cybercrime.gov.in is what drives the formal investigation. File it within 24 hours where possible.

Will I get my money back?

There’s no guarantee. Recovery depends on how quickly the receiving account can be identified and frozen, the bank’s findings under RBI rules, and law-enforcement action. Speed is the biggest variable you can control.

Should I confront the scammer?

No. It almost never helps and can lead to threats or further manipulation. Stop responding, save the evidence, and let the official channels work.

What if I sent money to a personal UPI ID?

Tell your bank and the portal that the payment was to a personal handle on a stranger’s instructions. That’s a key flag and helps investigators identify mule-account chains.

Can I report on behalf of a family member?

Yes. Both the 1930 helpline and the portal accept complaints filed by next of kin or a trusted relative. Have their consent and their basic transaction details ready.

Is 1930 free?

Yes — it’s a public helpline. Standard telecom call rates may apply to your operator, but there’s no service fee.

Do I need to go to a police station?

Not first. The portal and 1930 are designed to be the first step. State cyber-cells will contact you if they need an in-person FIR.

What if the scammer keeps changing numbers?

Report every number you have. Numbers and domains rotating is a hallmark of organised scam networks, and that itself is useful intel for investigators.

Where can I get help for the emotional impact?

Free, confidential mental-health support is available via Tele-MANAS (14416) and KIRAN (1800-599-0019). Financial fraud causes real stress; reaching out early helps.

How to Report Online Fraud in India: 1930 & cybercrime.gov.in