How to Report Online Fraud and Cyber Scams in India (Step-by-Step Guide)
Online scams and financial frauds are increasing rapidly across India — from fake job offers and investment schemes to phishing links and UPI payment traps. But the good news is: reporting these cybercrimes has become easier than ever. Here’s a complete guide on how to report online fraud and cyber scams in India and protect your money and identity.
💻 Step 1: Identify the Type of Cybercrime
Before reporting, understand what type of fraud you are dealing with:
- 🔹 Financial Fraud: UPI scams, debit/credit card misuse, online shopping frauds
- 🔹 Phishing/Email Scams: Fake messages or links asking for passwords or OTPs
- 🔹 Identity Theft: Fake social media profiles, misuse of documents
- 🔹 Cyber Harassment or Blackmail: Threats, extortion, or posting private content online
📞 Step 2: Call the National Cyber Helpline – 1930
If you’ve been a victim of financial cyber fraud (like UPI or bank-related scams), call the National Cyber Helpline: 1930 immediately. This number connects you directly to your bank and police to help freeze the fraudulent transaction before it’s too late.
🌐 Step 3: File a Complaint on the Cyber Crime Portal
Visit the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal managed by the Government of India. Follow these steps:
- Go to www.cybercrime.gov.in
- Select “File a Complaint”
- Choose between “Report Cyber Crime Related to Women/Children” or “Other Cyber Crimes”
- Fill in details like your name, contact number, and a brief description of the incident
- Upload screenshots, transaction proofs, or chat records if available
- Submit and note down the complaint ID for tracking
📄 Step 4: Report to Your Bank or Payment App
Immediately contact your bank’s customer care or UPI app support team (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.) and share your complaint reference number. Request them to block or freeze the transaction.
- UPI / Payment Fraud Helpline: 155260
- NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India): www.npci.org.in
👮 Step 5: File an FIR at the Nearest Cyber Police Station
If you need faster or in-person support, visit your nearest Cyber Crime Police Station. Carry all digital evidence — screenshots, call logs, bank messages, and transaction IDs. You can also file an e-FIR in many states through their official police websites.
🔐 Step 6: Protect Yourself Against Future Scams
- Never share OTPs, bank PINs, or personal details over calls or links.
- Verify official websites before making online payments.
- Use two-factor authentication for banking apps and social media.
- Regularly check your bank statements for suspicious transactions.
- Install security software and keep your system updated.
⚠️ Step 7: Spread Awareness
Educate friends and family — especially elderly or less tech-savvy members — about common online scams like fake lotteries, investment traps, or refund messages. Awareness is the strongest defense against cybercrime.
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