Lost money to an online fraud? What to do in the first hour

Whether it was a fake KYC call, an unexpected UPI request or a parcel-delivery link, the steps after an online fraud are the same. The faster you act, the better the chance of freezing the money before it moves on.

Call 1930 immediately

1930 is the national cyber-crime helpline. Officials can flag the transaction to the banks and payment apps involved so the money can be put on hold if it has not already been withdrawn. Keep your transaction details ready when you call.

Block your card, UPI and net banking

Call your bank on the customer-care number printed on your card or passbook — never one found through a search advert — and ask for the card, UPI ID or online access to be blocked. Most banking apps also let you block a card yourself in a few taps.

File a complaint online

Register a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in and note the acknowledgement number. Your bank and the police may ask for it.

Save every piece of evidence

• Screenshots of messages, call logs and the fraudster’s UPI ID or phone number
• Transaction IDs and UTR numbers from your bank SMS alerts or statement
• Any links you clicked, and roughly when you clicked them

Do not delete the chat, however upsetting it is.

Write to your bank as well

Reserve Bank of India rules limit a customer’s liability for unauthorised electronic transactions that are reported quickly — in many cases, reporting within three working days means you do not bear the loss. If you shared an OTP or PIN, the bank may hold you responsible for losses before you reported the fraud, which is one more reason not to wait. Send an email or written complaint in addition to calling.

What not to do

Do not pay anyone who promises to “recover” your money for a fee; recovery scams target fraud victims. Real police officers and bank staff never ask for an OTP, a PIN or a screen-sharing app.