Been hit by cyber-crime? Do this first
Pick what happened and get the next few minutes right — the immediate steps, the evidence to keep, and the sections that apply.
The first hour matters most. If money has gone, call 1930 before anything else — the sooner the complaint is registered, the better the chance of freezing it.
What happened to you?
- Money left my UPI accountMoney left Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or BHIM without your consent, or you were talked into approving a 'refund' request.
- I shared an OTP and money wentSomeone called claiming to be from the bank, KYC, the electricity board or a delivery service, took the OTP, and money left your account.
- I entered details on a fake linkA link from an SMS, WhatsApp or email opened a page that looked like your bank, and you entered your login or card details there.
- 'Digital arrest' — threats from fake policeOn a video call someone posing as the police, CBI, Customs, TRAI or the ED told you to stay on camera, tell no one, and transfer money 'for verification'.
- Blackmail over private photos or videoSomeone is demanding money over a recorded video call or chat, or an edited photo, and threatening to send it to your family.
- Job or part-time work scamYou were asked to pay a registration, training, security-deposit or 'task' fee, or promised earnings for completing tasks on WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Investment or trading scamA guaranteed return on shares, crypto, an IPO or a trading app; the app shows a growing balance, but withdrawals never go through.
- Loan-app threats and harassmentYou took a small loan from an instant-loan app, and recovery agents are now calling your contacts, sending morphed photos, or abusing you.
- My WhatsApp, social or email account was hackedSomeone else controls your account and is asking your contacts for money in your name, or you can no longer log in at all.
- Online purchase — nothing arrived, or a fake siteYou bought from a social-media ad or a lookalike website, the money left, nothing arrived, and the seller has gone quiet.
- Get your money back — the first hourIn online fraud, time is the thing that matters most. The sooner it is reported, the better the chance the transfer can be held.
- Helpline directoryOfficial contact numbers for cyber crime and emergencies
This is educational information, not legal advice. For anything serious, speak to an advocate.