How to File an FIR for Online or Financial Scams at Your Local Police Station in India
- Shubham Kumar
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
In the age of digital transactions and internet-based services, cybercrime and financial scams have become increasingly common in India. From phishing emails and fake investment schemes to UPI fraud and identity theft, such crimes can cause immense financial and emotional distress.
If you’ve fallen victim to an online or financial scam, filing a First Information Report (FIR) is a crucial step toward seeking justice and initiating a legal investigation.
This article provides a step-by-step, comprehensive guide on how to File an FIR for Online Scam in India at your local police station, both online and offline.
✅ What is an FIR?
An FIR (First Information Report) is a document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. In simple terms, it is the first step taken by the police to start an investigation. It is your legal right to file an FIR under Indian law.
For online or financial scams, depending on the severity and nature of the crime, it may fall under:
Cybercrime (Information Technology Act, 2000)
Fraud or Cheating (Indian Penal Code Sections 415, 420, etc.)
Data Theft, Impersonation, and Identity Fraud
🛡️ Why Filing an FIR is Important
It initiates the legal process.
Helps in tracking and recovering stolen money or data.
Builds an official record of the crime.
Essential for insurance claims or further legal actions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing an FIR at a Police Station in India
Step 1: Collect Evidence
Before going to the police station, gather all relevant information and documentation:
Screenshots of fraudulent messages, emails, or transactions.
Bank transaction details or SMS alerts.
Names, phone numbers, email IDs, or account details of the scammer.
Website links or social media profiles involved.
Any communication or chat transcripts.
The more organised and detailed your documentation, the stronger your case.
Step 2: Identify the Jurisdiction
Although cybercrime is borderless, you can file the FIR at your local police station — ideally, where you reside or where the offence took place.
If the local police station refuses, you can approach the Cyber Crime Cell of your district or file an online complaint (explained below).
Step 3: Visit the Police Station
At the police station:
Ask for the duty officer or cybercrime officer.
Politely explain that you wish to file an FIR for a cyber/financial fraud case.
Share your evidence and narrate the incident in detail.
They will usually record your statement and enter details into the FIR register.
Step 4: Ensure the FIR is Registered
Ensure the complaint is recorded under the correct sections of law, particularly under the IPC and IT Act.
Get a copy of the FIR with the FIR number, date, and the name of the officer who recorded it.
The police cannot refuse to register an FIR for a cognizable offence (Supreme Court guidelines in Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of U.P.).
If the police deny registering your FIR:
Politely insist on your right to file it.
Ask them to provide a written refusal with reasons.
Escalate the matter to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) or the State Cyber Cell.
💻 How to File a Cybercrime Complaint Online (Alternative to FIR)
You can also file a complaint through the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Cybercrime Portal:
✅ Step-by-Step:
Go to: https://cybercrime.gov.in
Click on "Report Other Cyber Crimes" or "Report Financial Fraud".
Create an account using your mobile number and OTP.
Fill out the form with:
Your personal details.
Details of the fraud/scam.
Evidence uploads.
Submit the complaint.
You will receive a complaint reference number (CRN) for tracking.
You can also call the Cybercrime Helpline 1930 to report urgent UPI/banking frauds.
🧾 Documents You May Need
Copy of your Aadhaar card, passport, or other valid ID.
FIR complaint letter (typed or handwritten).
Screenshots and bank statements.
Printouts of email/chat/transaction records.
✍️ Sample FIR Complaint Letter Format
Here’s a simple template:
To,
The Station House Officer,
[Name of Police Station],
[City/District]
Subject: Complaint regarding financial fraud via [method – UPI/Bank/Online Scam] Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], wish to complain about an incident of online financial fraud that occurred on [Date] at approximately [Time].
I was defrauded of an amount of Rs. [Amount] through [brief description of the scam].
Details of the incident: [Explain clearly what happened: website link, communication, account number, phone number of the fraudster, etc.] Attached are the supporting documents, including transaction screenshots, emails, and bank records.
I request you to kindly register an FIR and take appropriate action as per the law.
I am ready to cooperate in every possible way to aid the investigation.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email ID]
[Signature]
⚖️ Legal Remedies and Follow-up
After filing the FIR:
Track the status of your complaint through the CRN or FIR number.
If there is no action within 7–15 days, escalate to the DCP, SP, or Magistrate under Section 156(3) of CrPC.
You may also file a complaint with the National or State Human Rights Commission or the Consumer Forum, if applicable.
🧠 Pro Tips
Always report the scam immediately — time is critical.
If money has been transferred, call your bank and ask to freeze or reverse the transaction.
Use 1930 (Cybercrime Helpline) within hours of the fraud for the best chance of recovery.
Stay calm and firm if officials are hesitant — you have the right to register an FIR.
📌 Conclusion
Online and financial frauds are deeply unsettling, but with timely action and the right legal steps, you can fight back.
Whether through a local police station or an online platform, filing an FIR is your strongest tool to ensure justice is served.
Take cybercrime seriously. Report. File. Act.
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