How to File a Cyber Fraud Complaint Online in India (1930 and cybercrime.gov.in)

You've just lost money to an online fraud: a fake UPI request, a "KYC update" call, an investment app, or a stranger who took over your account. Panic is natural, but what you do in the next hour decides whether the money can be stopped before it leaves the fraudster's account.

Here's exactly how to file a cyber fraud complaint online in India, step by step, and how to track it afterwards.

Lost money just now? Do these two things first:
1. Call 1930, the National Cyber Crime Helpline (free, 24x7).
2. Call your bank's customer care to block your card, UPI and net banking.

Step 1: Call 1930 immediately (the "golden hour")

Fraudsters move stolen money through several "mule" accounts within minutes. When you report on 1930, the details go straight to the banks and payment apps involved through the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, so the money can be put on hold while it's still in the system.

Keep this ready when you call:

• Your bank name and account or card number (last digits)
• The UTR / transaction reference number of each fraudulent payment
• Date, time and amount of each transaction
• The fraudster's UPI ID, phone number, account number or website, if known

Note down the acknowledgement number the operator gives you. You'll need it for the online complaint.

Step 2: Inform your bank in writing

Call your bank to block the card, UPI and net banking, then also email or submit a written complaint. Under RBI's rules on customer liability, reporting an unauthorized electronic transaction quickly (ideally within three working days) can limit your liability for fraud that wasn't your fault. Keep the complaint reference number.

Step 3: File the complaint on cybercrime.gov.in

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Complaints are forwarded to the police of your state or district.

1. Go to cybercrime.gov.in and click File a Complaint.
2. Read and accept the terms.
3. Choose Report Other Cyber Crime (financial frauds are filed here). Crimes against women and children have a separate option, which also allows anonymous reports.
4. Sign in as a citizen with your mobile number and OTP, and fill in your basic details.
5. Incident details: select the category (for example, Online Financial Fraud), the type (UPI fraud, debit/credit card fraud, internet banking fraud and so on), date and time, and describe what happened in your own words.
6. Transaction details: add each fraudulent transaction with bank, amount, date and UTR number. If you already called 1930, mention that acknowledgement number.
7. Suspect details: phone numbers, UPI IDs, bank accounts, websites, social media profiles or email addresses used by the fraudster.
8. Upload evidence: screenshots of chats, SMS, call logs, payment screens and bank statements.
9. Preview, submit and save the acknowledgement number you receive by SMS and email.

Large frauds: e-Zero FIR

The government's e-Zero FIR system, launched in May 2025 (first in Delhi), automatically converts cyber financial fraud complaints above ₹10 lakh made through 1930 or the portal into an FIR. You may be asked to visit the cyber crime police station within a few days to complete the formalities, so keep your documents ready.

Step 4: Track your complaint status

1. Visit cybercrime.gov.in and open Track your complaint (or sign in to your citizen account).
2. Enter your acknowledgement number and the registered mobile number or email.
3. Check the current status and the police station or cyber cell it's assigned to.

If nothing moves for a few weeks, visit the assigned cyber cell with your acknowledgement number and printed evidence. An online complaint is not automatically an FIR; for an FIR, you can also approach your local police station.

Step 5: Report the number and secure your accounts

• Report fraud calls and messages on Chakshu in the Sanchar Saathi portal or app, so the numbers can be blocked.
• Check which mobile connections are registered in your name on Sanchar Saathi and report any you don't recognize.
• Change your UPI PIN, net banking password and email password from a safe device.
• If you installed any app on the fraudster's request (screen sharing, APK files), follow our guide on what to do if your phone is hacked.

Evidence checklist

• Bank statement showing the fraudulent transactions
• UTR / transaction IDs and screenshots of payment confirmations
• Screenshots of chats, SMS, emails and the fraudster's profile
• Call log screenshots with the fraudster's numbers
• Links or names of fake apps or websites
• Your ID proof (asked for at the police station)

Don't delete any chats, messages or apps until you've taken screenshots; they're your evidence.

Beware of "recovery agents"

After a fraud, victims often get calls from people claiming to be police, lawyers or "fund recovery experts" who can get the money back for a fee. This is a second scam. Real police and banks never ask for money to process your complaint.

FAQ

Can I get my money back after cyber fraud?

It's possible, especially if you report on 1930 quickly and the money is frozen in the fraudster's account. Recovery then happens through the bank and police process, which can take time and may need a court order.

Can I file a cyber complaint without going to the police station?

Yes. You can file entirely online on cybercrime.gov.in and track it there. You may later be called to the cyber cell for verification.

What if I'm outside India or the fraud happened in the US?

In the US, report to the FBI at ic3.gov and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and contact your bank immediately.

Learn the most common tricks before they happen to you: read our cybersecurity guides, including how attackers bypass MFA with device code phishing.