Guide · Updated 2026
How to file a cyber crime complaint in India
If you've been scammed online, the next few hours matter. This is the exact, step-by-step process to report cyber fraud in India — and the free tools to check a scammer and build your complaint evidence.
Money moved in the last few hours?
Call 1930 right now — before reading further. Speed is the single biggest factor in whether funds can be held.
The step-by-step process
- Call 1930 immediately if money moved
1930 is India's national cyber fraud helpline. If you transferred money in the last few hours or days, call 1930 first — fast reporting is what lets banks place a hold on the funds before they're withdrawn. This single step matters more for recovery than anything else.
- Gather your evidence
Collect the scammer's UPI ID, phone number, bank account or wallet address; transaction references (UTR / transaction IDs); screenshots of chats, payment confirmations, and any website or app used. Do not delete anything — dated screenshots are what an investigation runs on.
- File on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
Go to cybercrime.gov.in and file a complaint under the appropriate category (financial fraud, or the relevant offence). You can file with or without your identity in some categories. Attach your evidence and write a clear, factual account of what happened.
- Notify your bank or payment app in writing
Raise a fraud dispute with your bank or UPI provider, quoting the transaction references. Ask them to flag the beneficiary account. Keep written records of every interaction and reference number.
- Preserve your complaint acknowledgement
The portal issues an acknowledgement number — keep it safe with all your evidence. You'll need it for follow-ups, bank disputes, and any police interaction.
Free tools to help right now
Before you pay anyone, or right after you've been scammed:
Our free Scam Report & Trace tool checks any UPI ID, phone, account or wallet against community reports, and generates a ready evidence pack for your cybercrime.gov.in complaint.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to report online fraud in India?
Call 1930, the national cyber fraud helpline, as soon as you realise money has moved. Speed is critical — early reporting lets banks freeze funds before withdrawal. Then file a detailed complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
Can I file a cyber crime complaint online without going to a police station?
Yes. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) lets you file complaints online. For financial fraud, calling 1930 and filing on the portal is the standard first route; serious cases may still involve your local cyber cell.
Will I get my money back after a cyber fraud?
There is no guarantee, and anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee is likely running a second scam. Recovery depends on how fast you report — if funds are still in Indian banking channels, banks can sometimes hold them. Reporting to 1930 within hours gives the best chance.
What evidence do I need for a cyber crime complaint?
The scammer's identifier (UPI ID, phone, bank account or wallet), transaction references, and screenshots of chats, payment confirmations and any website or app used. Keep originals; do not delete anything.
How do I check if a UPI ID or phone number is a known scammer?
You can check any UPI ID, phone number, bank account or crypto wallet against community scam reports using a free scam-check tool before you pay, and report a scammer to warn others.
Lost a large amount, or a business hit by fraud?
Our forensics team traces where funds went and builds court-ready evidence — with an honest assessment first, and no recovery guarantees.
See how investigation works →This guide is general information, not legal advice. Karleesh Technologies is an independent company and is not affiliated with any government agency. Official channels are 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in.