Complete Guide
How to Report Cybercrime in India
All reporting channels for online fraud in India: the 1930 helpline, cybercrime.gov.in, FIR filing, bank disputes, and sector-specific regulators for investment, telecom, and banking fraud.
Did it just happen?
If you were just scammed, call 1930 immediately before reading this guide. Every minute matters. Go to the emergency recovery guide instead.
Call 1930 — National Cybercrime Helpline
What it is
India's National Cybercrime Helpline, operated by MHA. Free, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only channel that can issue a real-time lien on a fraudulent account before funds are withdrawn.
Best for
- UPI and bank transfer fraud
- Digital arrest / fake police calls
- Online shopping fraud
- Investment / job scam losses
- Any financial cybercrime
Say when you call
"I want to report a cybercrime — financial fraud"
Tip: Have your transaction UTR number, scammer phone/UPI ID, and the amount ready before calling. This saves time and gives the helpline more to act on.
File at cybercrime.gov.in
What to file here
- Financial fraud (UPI, bank, cards)
- Online shopping fraud
- Social media hacking or abuse
- Sextortion or blackmail
- Fake job or investment fraud
- Phishing and impersonation
What you need
- Scammer phone number or UPI ID
- Transaction UTR / reference number
- Date, time, and amount of fraud
- Screenshots of all evidence
- Your own mobile number
After filing, you receive a complaint reference number. Keep it for police follow-up.
File ComplaintFile an FIR at Your Nearest Police Station
An FIR (First Information Report) starts a formal criminal investigation. You can file at any police station — preferably at a dedicated cybercrime cell. Police cannot legally refuse to register an FIR for cybercrime.
Go to the cybercrime cell
Most city police stations have a cybercrime cell. If not, any police station is required by law to accept your FIR.
Bring printed evidence
Print screenshots of conversations, fake website pages, and transaction receipts. Bring the cybercrime.gov.in complaint reference number if you have it.
Insist on your FIR copy
You are entitled to a free copy of the FIR. Keep the FIR number — you will need it for bank disputes, insurance claims, and court proceedings.
Escalate if refused
If the officer refuses to register your FIR, file a complaint with the Superintendent of Police. You can also file a private complaint before a judicial magistrate.
Report to Your Bank
Call your bank official customer care number — use the number on the back of your debit card or in your bank app, never from a Google search. Request a transaction dispute and submit your cybercrime complaint reference number.
Important: Under RBI guidelines, if a bank employee error caused the fraud, you are entitled to a full refund within 10 working days. For third-party fraud where you voluntarily shared OTP, liability depends on reporting time.
If your bank is unresponsive
Escalate to the RBI Banking Ombudsman.
RBI Banking OmbudsmanEscalate to the Sector Regulator
For sector-specific fraud, file with the relevant regulator in addition to cybercrime.gov.in.
SEBI
Investment / stock market fraud, fake trading apps, crypto pump-and-dump schemes
RBI Banking Ombudsman
Bank account fraud, credit card fraud, digital banking service failures
TRAI
SIM swap fraud, spam calls, telecom service misuse, fake telecom representatives
IRDAI
Fake insurance schemes, fraudulent policy surrender calls, bogus premium refund offers
Evidence Checklist
Gather this before calling 1930 or filing online. Do not delete anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cybercrime helpline number in India?
1930 is India's National Cybercrime Helpline. Free, 24/7. Call it as the first step after any financial online fraud.
Can police refuse to register an FIR for cybercrime?
No. Under Indian law, police cannot refuse to register an FIR for a cognizable offence, which includes financial cybercrime. If refused, escalate to the Superintendent of Police or file directly with the cybercrime cell.
Where do I report investment or stock market fraud in India?
Report to SEBI at the SCORES portal (scores.sebi.gov.in) or call 1800-266-7575. Also file at cybercrime.gov.in and call 1930. For crypto fraud, also report to the Enforcement Directorate.
How long does a cybercrime complaint take?
Online complaints are acknowledged within 24 to 72 hours. Money recovery depends on how fast you reported. Formal investigations take months. The 1930 call immediately after fraud gives the best chance of same-day account freeze.
Can I report cybercrime anonymously in India?
cybercrime.gov.in has an option to report without login for certain offences like child pornography and online threats. For financial fraud where you want money recovery, you must provide your contact details so investigators can follow up.
Check Before You Pay
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