cyber
Online Fraud / UPI Scam
You have been cheated online — through fake websites, UPI fraud, phishing calls, or fraudulent e-commerce transactions.
Do this now
- 01Do NOT share any more OTPs, passwords, or bank details
- 02Call your bank immediately and block the card/account
- 03Call Cybercrime Helpline: 1930
- 04Report on National Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
- 05File an FIR at the nearest police station
- 06Report to the platform where fraud occurred (UPI app, e-commerce site)
- 07Take screenshots of all conversations, transactions, and messages
Evidence to collect
- Screenshots of fraudulent messages or calls
- Bank transaction statements showing money debited
- Transaction ID and UPI reference numbers
- The phone number or email of the fraudster
- URL of fake website (if applicable)
- Any communication with the fraudster
Documents you need
- FIR copy
- Bank statement showing fraudulent transactions
- Screenshots of fraud communication
- ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Cyber crime portal complaint number
Where to complain
- National Cyber Crime Portal — cybercrime.gov.in
- Cyber Crime Helpline — 1930
- Nearest Police Station — FIR
- Your bank's fraud department
- RBI Ombudsman (if bank not resolving)
Laws that apply
- IT Act Section 66 — Computer related offences
- IT Act Section 66C — Identity theft
- IT Act Section 66D — Cheating by personation using computer
- BNS Section 318 — Cheating
- BNS Section 319 — Cheating by personation
Understanding the issue
Online fraud includes UPI scams where someone tricks you into sending money, phishing attacks where fake links steal your bank details, OTP frauds where callers pretend to be bank officials, and fake e-commerce sites that take payment without delivering products. Under Indian law, these are punishable offences under both the IT Act and BNS.
When to see a lawyer
Consult a lawyer if the fraud amount is large (above Rs. 50,000), if police are not filing FIR, or if you need to file a civil recovery suit.