In today’s increasingly digital India, cyber fraud has become a pervasive reality. From digital arrests and UPI payment frauds to identity theft and social media hacks, millions of Indians are constantly at risk of cyber threats. This practical guide will help you navigate the aftermath of cyber fraud in India.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Immediately: Panic can cloud judgment, but time is critical

1. Disconnect from the internet: If malware or hacking is suspected, turn off your device to prevent further data theft.
2. Change passwords: Secure all accounts (email, banking, social media) with strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
3. Document everything: Save screenshots, transaction IDs, emails, or messages as evidence. Note the dates, times, and details of the incident so that you can easily register your complaint at the Cyber crime portal. This will also help the police crack the case.

Ref: Cyber fraudsters duped a 73-year-old woman of Rs 2 lakh by exploiting the KYC process to update bank details.

( https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/rs-2-lakh-kyc-update-scam-what-is-it-how-it-happened-and-how-to-avoid-it-124082800231_1.html )

Step 2: Report the Fraud to NCRP Portal/1930/Local police station 

(Please provide any valid identification, all screenshots, the mobile numbers of scammers, social media links, app details if available, and any other crucial information, such as WhatsApp group details and admin information.)

1. File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in): Select “Report a Cyber Crime” and follow the prompts. For financial fraud, use the “Financial Fraud” category.
2. Call the Cyber Crime Helpline: Dial 1930 (toll-free) to report incidents and get immediate assistance.
3. Visit your local police station: File a formal FIR. Provide all evidence as you saved earlier.

Note- Even if the amount seems small (e.g., ₹500 UPI scam), report it. Scammers often target hundreds of victims, and your report could help dismantle a larger network.

Step 3: If, possible and you are comfortable then Alert Your Bank or Payment Platform

Time is critical to reverse unauthorized transactions. Call your bank’s 24/7 helpline (authentic website) Freeze your account/card if fraud is detected. For UPI fraud (e.g., PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm), notify the app’s support team immediately. If your card or UPI ID was compromised, ask for replacements.

Step 4: Secure Your Identity and Digital Footprint

Cyber fraud often leads to long-term risks like identity theft:

1. Check credit reports: Use platforms like CIBIL to spot unauthorized loans/credit cards opened in your name.
2. Scan for data leaks: Tools like “Have I Been Pwned” can reveal if your email or phone number was leaked in a data breach.
3. Warn contacts: If your social media accounts were hacked, inform friends/family to ignore suspicious messages.

Step 5: Strengthen Your Defenses for the Future: Learn from the incident to prevent repeat attacks:

1. Avoid sharing OTPs, CVV, or passwords: Legitimate organizations will never ask for these.
2. Verify URLs and apps: Fake websites (e.g., “amaz0n.in”) and duplicate apps are common. Look for “https” and check developer details.
3. Educate yourself: Follow the cyboranger.com for alerts on new scams.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Blame Yourself

Cybercriminals are sophisticated, and even cautious individuals can fall prey. The key is to act fast, report diligently, and adopt preventive habits. Share your experience to raise awareness—your story could save others from similar traps.

Cyber fraud is a crime, not a reflection of your intelligence.

References-

• National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
• Cyber Crime Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in
• CERT-In Guidelines: https://cert-in.org.in