How to Report a Cyber Scam in India (Step-by-Step Guide)

⚠️ Introduction: Cybercrime Is Rising Fast in India

With over 85 crore internet users, India is becoming a hot target for cybercriminals. From UPI scams and phishing links to fake customer care numbers, online frauds are on the rise. Unfortunately, most victims don’t report these scams — either due to lack of awareness or fear.

The good news? You can report a cyber scam online within minutes.

This step-by-step guide will show you:

How to report a scam on cybercrime.gov.in
Where to complain for financial fraud (like UPI, debit card cloning)
What documents or proof you need
How to track the status of your complaint

🧠 What Counts as a Cyber Scam?

Before we begin, here are some common cybercrimes you can report:

Online financial fraud (UPI, debit/credit card, fake apps)
Identity theft or impersonation
Phishing emails or SMS
Social media hacking or blackmail
Sextortion or online harassment
OTP fraud or job scams

🖥️ Step-by-Step: How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint Online

✅ Step 1: Visit the Official Cyber Crime Portal

Go to the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:
👉 https://cybercrime.gov.in

This portal is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

✅ Step 2: Choose the Type of Crime

Once on the homepage, you’ll see two main options:

Report Women/Child-related Crime (like stalking, blackmail, sextortion)
Report Other Cybercrime (for financial fraud, hacking, etc.)

🔐 For financial frauds, click on “Report Other Cybercrime.”

✅ Step 3: Create an Account or Log In

You’ll be asked to register with:

Your mobile number
OTP verification

Then you can log in to file a full complaint.

✅ Step 4: Fill in Complaint Details

You’ll need to provide the following:

Personal Details:

Name, address, state, district
Contact number and email ID

Incident Details:

Date and time of the scam
Description of what happened
Screenshot or evidence (chat, transaction, link, etc.)
Fraud amount, transaction ID (if any)
Platform used (WhatsApp, Instagram, Bank App, etc.)

🔁 Attach all evidence, like screenshots, emails, or chat logs.

✅ Step 5: Submit & Get Acknowledgment

After filling in all the details, submit the form.

You will receive:

A unique complaint ID
Confirmation via SMS and email

🧾 Save this complaint number for future tracking or FIR follow-up.

🔍 Where Else Can You Report a Scam?

🏦 For Financial Fraud (UPI, Bank, Card):

Immediately call your bank’s customer care
Report the fraud and block your card/account
File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in
Optionally, visit your local cyber police station

📍 Cyber Crime Helpline Number (India)

📞 Dial 1930
This is the National Cybercrime Helpline for financial frauds. It’s available 24×7.

If you’ve just lost money, calling 1930 immediately can help reverse the transaction before it’s too late.

🧾 Documents You May Need While Reporting:

Your valid ID (Aadhar/PAN)
Bank statement or transaction screenshot
Screenshot of chat/email/fake link
Any voice recording or phone number used by scammer

🔎 How to Track Your Complaint Status?

Go to cybercrime.gov.in
Click on: “Check Status of Complaint”

Enter:

Your complaint ID
Your registered mobile number

You’ll see updates on whether the complaint is forwarded, under investigation, or closed.

📢 Tips to Speed Up Action on Your Complaint

Report the scam within 24 hours (especially financial fraud)
Provide as much evidence as possible
Be clear and detailed in your complaint
Contact your local cyber cell with the complaint ID

🧪 Real-Life Example: ₹18,000 Lost via Fake Flipkart Offer

A man in Noida received a WhatsApp message claiming to be a Flipkart prize. He clicked the link, filled in card details, and lost ₹18,000 instantly.

Thanks to quick reporting at 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in, he got ₹10,000 back within 3 days.

Moral: Report fast, act smart.

✅ Final Thoughts: Be Alert, Be Active

Cyber scams are becoming more complex — but the Indian government has made it easier to report and fight back.