Lost Money to Online Fraud? What to Do First

Last Updated: October 9, 2026

If you've lost money to an online scam, such as a fake UPI request, an OTP or KYC call, a phishing link or an investment scheme, speed matters most. Money moved through fraud is often passed through several accounts quickly, and early reporting gives the best chance of it being stopped.

Do these right away

Call 1930, the national cybercrime helpline. It works with banks to try to freeze the money while it is still in the system.
Report at cybercrime.gov.in, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Note down your complaint or acknowledgement number.
Inform your bank through its official customer-care number or app, and ask them to block your card or UPI if needed. Under RBI rules, reporting quickly can limit your liability for unauthorised transactions.

Keep evidence

Screenshots of messages, calls, chats, websites or apps used in the fraud
Transaction IDs, UTR numbers, dates, times and amounts
Your bank statement showing the transactions
The fraudster's phone numbers, UPI IDs or account details

Don't delete chats or uninstall apps until you have saved what you need.

Be careful about "recovery" offers

Scammers often contact victims again pretending to be police, bank officials or recovery agents and ask for a "fee" to return the money. Genuine authorities do not ask you to pay to recover your money.

If your own account gets frozen

Sometimes people find their bank account frozen because money linked to a fraud complaint passed through it, even when they did nothing wrong. If that happens, find out from the bank which police station or agency asked for the freeze. You will usually need to explain the transactions and provide documents, and in some cases an application to the court may be needed. Courts have repeatedly held that a freeze should usually be limited to the disputed amount rather than the whole account.

When to get legal help

A lawyer can help if the amount is large, if the police complaint is not progressing, if you need to approach a court, or if your own account has been frozen.

Need help with this? Our team can connect you with an advocate. Get help: Cyber Fraud Complaint

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and depend on your situation, so please consult an advocate about your specific case.