How to File a Cyber Fraud Complaint: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Shubham Kumar
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In today’s digital age, cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats. From financial fraud and identity theft to phishing and online harassment, cybercrimes are affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Fortunately, the Indian government has taken proactive steps to help victims of cyber fraud by launching a dedicated online portal—Cybercrime.gov.in—and a national helpline number, 1930.
This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to file a cyber fraud complaint on Cybercrime.gov.in and through the 1930 helpline, along with essential tips and best practices to increase your chances of a successful resolution.
🚨 What Is Cyber Fraud?
Cyber fraud involves criminal activities carried out using computers, digital devices, or networks.
Common types include:
Banking frauds (unauthorised transactions, phishing)
Online scams (fake shopping sites, Ponzi schemes)
Identity theft
Social media impersonation
Cyberbullying and harassment
Ransomware attacks
The Government’s Cybercrime Response Mechanism
To tackle the rising tide of cybercrime, the Ministry of Home Affairs, under its Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme, launched:
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal – https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
Helpline Number 1930 – a toll-free emergency line to report financial cyber frauds in real-time
📞 Step-by-Step Guide to Report Cyber Fraud via Helpline 1930
If you’ve experienced an online financial fraud (e.g., UPI scam, phishing, ATM fraud), time is critical.
Here's what to do:
Step 1: Call Immediately
Dial 1930 from your mobile or landline.
The helpline operates 24x7 and connects you to the Cyber Financial Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFFRMS).
Step 2: Provide Key Information
Be ready with:
Your full name
Mobile number and email ID
Bank account details or wallet transaction details
Date and time of the fraudulent activity
Amount involved
Screenshots, if available
The executive will register the incident and forward the complaint to the respective financial institution and law enforcement.
Step 3: Follow Up
You will receive a complaint ID or reference number. Use it to follow up via:
Contact your bank or payment app's customer support for parallel resolution.
🌐 Step-by-Step Guide to File a Complaint on Cybercrime.gov.in
For non-financial and financial cybercrimes, use the online portal to file a formal complaint.
Step 1: Visit the Portal
Step 2: Click on 'File a Complaint'
You’ll see two options:
Report Women/Child Related Crime
Report Other Cybercrimes
Choose the appropriate option.
Step 3: Accept Terms and Conditions
Read the advisory and click ‘I Accept’ to proceed.
Step 4: Register/Login
You need to sign up with:
Your mobile number
An OTP verification
Then set a password to log in
Step 5: Fill in the Complaint Form
The form will ask for:
Type of cybercrime (e.g., online financial fraud, hacking, cyberstalking, etc.)
Detailed description of the incident
Date and time
Suspect information (if known)
Your identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
Evidence – screenshots, URLs, chat logs, transaction records, emails, etc.
Step 6: Submit the Complaint
After submission, you will get an acknowledgement number for tracking the status.
📂 Supporting Documents You Should Upload
To strengthen your complaint, attach:
Screenshots of the fraudulent message/site
Transaction receipts or bank statements
Email/chat records
Identity proof (for verification)
FIR copy (if you’ve already filed one offline)
🕵️♂️ How the Complaint Is Processed
Once filed:
A preliminary assessment is done by the cybercrime cell of the concerned state/UT.
If found valid, it is assigned to a local police station for investigation.
Police may reach out for further verification or additional evidence.
📍 Key Contact Points
Authority | Contact |
Cybercrime Helpline | 1930 |
National Cybercrime Portal | |
CERT-IN (Emergency Response) | |
Local Police Station | File an FIR if needed |
🧠 Tips to Protect Yourself From Cyber Fraud
Never share OTPs, CVV, or passwords with anyone.
Verify URLs before entering sensitive data.
Use two-factor authentication on banking and email accounts.
Regularly monitor your bank statements.
Use strong, unique passwords.
⚖️ Legal Framework for Cybercrime in India
Cybercrimes are covered under:
Information Technology Act, 2000
Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 419, 420, 354D, etc.
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Punishments can include fines, imprisonment, and seizure of digital assets.
📝 Final Thoughts
Being a victim of cybercrime can be stressful, but India’s cybercrime reporting mechanisms are robust and improving every year.
Whether you're a victim of financial fraud, social media harassment, or phishing, you have the tools to seek justice.
Use Cybercrime.gov.in for a detailed complaint, and 1930 for emergency financial scam reporting.
If you're ever in doubt, act quickly, preserve evidence, and report immediately.
Awareness and prompt action are your best defences against cybercriminals.
Have you faced a cyber fraud incident recently?
Share your experience or questions in the comments. Let’s help each other stay safe online.
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