Why acting quickly matters
If you think money has been taken through fraud, act as soon as you notice. A quick report may give your bank and the authorities a better chance of tracing or stopping the money. It does not guarantee recovery, but waiting can make things harder.
When you should act
• You see a payment you did not make or recognise.
• You sent money after being misled by someone.
• The person demands more money to return what you have lost.
• You shared a password, OTP or card details and fear they may be misused.
Who to contact
Use the fraud helpline in your bank’s official app, website or on your card. You can also call India’s cybercrime helpline, 1930, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting cyber fraud does not replace informing your bank.
What to do now
• Stop further payments and stop talking to the suspected scammer.
• Tell your bank immediately. Explain whether you approved the payment yourself or someone made it without your permission.
• Ask the bank what needs to be blocked; change exposed passwords from a safe device.
• Call 1930 and follow the instructions for reporting online.
• Keep transaction IDs, screenshots and all complaint numbers. Do not trust anyone who promises to recover the money for a fee.