Lost Money to a Scam? How to Report on 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in, Step by Step

The first ten minutes

1. Call 1930. The operator records the transaction and alerts the banks and payment apps involved, which can put a hold on money still sitting in the receiving account.
2. Call your bank's fraud line. Ask them to block the channel used (card, UPI, net banking) and note the complaint reference.
3. Do not delete anything. Keep screenshots of the chat, call log, payment confirmation, UPI ID, website link and any app you were told to install.
4. Uninstall screen-sharing apps such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer if a scammer made you install one, and change your banking passwords from a different, clean device.

Details to keep ready

• Your name, mobile number and bank account or card
• Each transaction ID / UTR number, date, time and amount
• The scammer's UPI ID, account number, phone number, website or social media profile
• A short description of what happened

How to file on cybercrime.gov.in, step by step

1. Go to cybercrime.gov.in and choose "Report Cyber Crime", then "Financial Fraud".
2. Register with your mobile number and the OTP.
3. Fill in your details and the incident details: date, type of fraud and platform.
4. Add each transaction: bank, transaction ID, amount and date.
5. Add the suspect's details that you have: UPI ID, phone, website.
6. Upload evidence: screenshots and bank statements (keep files small).
7. Submit and save the acknowledgement number. You can track the complaint on the portal.

The complaint goes to your state's cyber police. Use the acknowledgement number to file an FIR at your local police station or cyber cell if they ask you to.

What happens to the money?

When the complaint reaches the banks quickly, they can freeze or place a lien on the money in the receiving accounts. Money that has been frozen can be returned to victims through a formal process, which usually involves the police and sometimes a court order. Under procedures set out by the Home Ministry, refunds go through an online money restoration module linked to the 1930 system.

Recovery is not guaranteed, and it can take weeks or months. The faster you report, the better your chances.

The RBI's zero-liability rule

For unauthorised electronic transactions, such as a hacked card or a cloned account, the RBI's customer-protection rules say:

• Zero liability if the fraud was due to a bank or third-party breach and you report it within three working days.
• Limited liability, capped between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000 depending on the type of account, if you report within four to seven working days.
• Beyond seven days, liability depends on your bank's board-approved policy.
• The bank should credit the disputed amount to your account (a "shadow reversal") within 10 working days of your report.

There is an important catch: if the loss happened because you shared an OTP, PIN or password, or approved a payment yourself, the bank may treat it as your negligence. That is why scams that trick you into "approving" a UPI request are so hard to recover from.

Suspected scam, but no money lost?

Report suspicious calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages on Chakshu on the government's Sanchar Saathi portal. Chakshu is for suspected fraud communication. For money already lost, always use 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Common questions

Can I file a complaint for someone else? Yes. Family members can help a victim file, but the victim's own bank and transaction details are needed.

Is there a fee? No. Calling 1930 and filing on cybercrime.gov.in are both free.

Will the police contact me? Usually, yes. The complaint goes to the cyber police in your state, who may call you or ask you to visit with documents. Be wary of anyone who calls claiming to be from the police and asks for money to "recover" your funds: that is a common second scam aimed at fraud victims.

Related reading

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