Follow These 5 Steps If You Become a Victim of Online Fraud—You Might Save Your Money

In 2025, Indians lost thousands of crores to cyber fraud. If you have fallen victim, disconnect from the internet, call 1930, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Here is a complete step-by-step guide.

Cybercrime has become so common these days that anyone can fall prey to it. In 2025 alone, over 2.1 million (21 lakh) complaints were registered on the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal, with people losing approximately ₹19,800 to ₹22,500 crore. Most of these losses stemmed from fraudulent investment schemes. If you or a family member gets caught in such a trap, do not panic. Taking the right steps immediately increases the chances of recovering your money and tracking down the fraudsters.

Disconnect from the internet immediately.

If you become a victim of cyber fraud, the first and most crucial step is to immediately disconnect your device from the internet. Turn off both the Wi-Fi and mobile data on your smartphone or laptop. This can prevent the hacker from maintaining further access.

Secure your bank account and cards.

If money has been siphoned off from your bank account, via UPI, or from your cards, contact your bank immediately to have the account or card blocked. This helps prevent further losses.

Call 1930 immediately

Additionally, call 1930—the National Cyber ​​Fraud Helpline. The sooner you call, the higher the chances of placing a hold on your bank account. In many cases, reporting the incident within the first hour can lead to the funds being frozen.

File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in

Next, visit the cybercrime.gov.in portal to file a formal complaint. Provide details such as the transaction ID, the amount involved, screenshots, and any information you have about the fraudster. Be sure to save your complaint number. Change Passwords and Enhance Security

Change your passwords immediately—for your email, banking apps, and social media accounts. Enable two-step verification wherever possible. You can also file a complaint at your nearest police station or cyber cell.

Remember, any delay reduces the chances of recovery, so do not waste time. Utilize both the 1930 helpline and the cybercrime.gov.in portal. Taking the right steps promptly can help minimize your losses.

FAQs

1. What should be the first step in the event of cyber fraud? Immediately disconnect your phone or laptop from the internet. Next, contact your bank to have your account or card blocked, and file a complaint via the 1930 helpline.

2. What happens when you call 1930? 1930 is the national cyber fraud helpline. Calling this number initiates the process of placing a hold on the affected bank account. The sooner you call, the higher the likelihood that the funds can be frozen.

3. Where should a complaint be filed? File an online complaint via the cybercrime.gov.in portal, and also call 1930. If necessary, you may also file a complaint at your nearest police station or cyber cell.

4. Why is it important to change passwords? Following a cyber fraud incident, a hacker might attempt to access your other accounts. Therefore, change the passwords for all your essential accounts (email, banking, social media) immediately, and enable two-step verification wherever possible.

5. What are the chances of recovering the money? If you call 1930 and file a complaint within one hour, the chances of the funds being frozen and subsequently recovered increase. Any delay significantly reduces the prospects of recovery.