Lost Money to Online Fraud?
Call 1930 within the first 1-2 hours (the "Golden Hours"). The national cyber helpline can freeze fraudulent transactions in inter-bank channels.
Take a deep breath: You are not alone, and this is not your fault.
Modern cyber fraud syndicates employ full-time psychologists and organized technical infrastructure to manipulate educated, careful people every single day. Feeling shaken or embarrassed is natural, but acting quickly protects you.
What is your current situation?
UPI transfer, net banking, or debit card money deducted without consent.
Someone claiming to be CBI, police, or customs is currently threatening you on video.
Scammer threatens to release morphed or recorded video to your contact list.
WhatsApp or Gmail takeover, or someone made you install an .apk or AnyDesk app.
The 8 Immediate Steps
Follow these steps in numerical order.
Stay calm and stop all communication with the scammer
Do not reply, do not argue, and do not send "one more payment" hoping they will return previous money. Block their numbers and handle accounts immediately.
If money moved: Call 1930 immediately
High PriorityHave your bank name, account number, UPI ID, and the transaction reference (UTR) ready. The operator connects with recipient banks to freeze stolen amounts.
Notify your bank to freeze debit cards and online banking
Call the official helpline printed on the back of your debit card or open your official banking app to toggle "Block Card" and "Disable Net Banking/UPI". This stops further debits.
Register an official complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
Filing an online complaint generates an official acknowledgment number required by banks for dispute settlement and by police to register an FIR.
Preserve all digital evidence (Do NOT delete chats)
Take screenshots of chat messages, phone call logs, payment receipts with UTR numbers, websites visited, and the scammer's profile. Export WhatsApp chats. Police require this evidence.
Secure your device and credentials
If an unknown app (.apk or AnyDesk/TeamViewer) was installed: disconnect Wi-Fi and mobile data immediately, uninstall the app, and reboot into safe mode. Change your email and bank passwords from a different, clean device.
Report fraudulent numbers on Chakshu (Sanchar Saathi)
Report the scammer's phone number, SMS, or WhatsApp ID on the Department of Telecommunications portal so telecom operators can deactivate the fraudulent connection.
Talk to someone you trust
Share what happened with a trusted family member or mentor. Scammers rely on keeping you isolated. Bringing a loved one into the loop brings practical emotional clarity and support.
Is a "police / customs" video call currently happening?
Hang up immediately. You will NOT get into trouble. Real Indian police, CBI, ED, and courts do not conduct arrests or interrogations over video calls, and no agency demands money to clear criminal charges.
- Do not transfer money to any "RBI verification account" or "police escrow".
- Unlock your room door and call your nearest family member or visit your local police station in person.
- Report the video call handle to 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in.
Are you being blackmailed with photos or video?
Do NOT pay. Paying will NOT delete the imagery—extortionists treat payment as proof that their threat works and will demand larger amounts.
- Preserve evidence: Take screenshots of the chat, their username, and the account details where they ask for money.
- Lock your social accounts: Switch Instagram/Facebook profiles to private and restrict comments/messages from non-followers.
- Report to cyber police: File a confidential report under the Women/Child or Extortion category on cybercrime.gov.in.
- Seek professional support: If you are under severe mental distress, call the national mental health helpline Kiran at 1800-599-0019 or 112.