Three official channels, when to use each, and what evidence to keep.
There are three official channels for cyber fraud in India, and you should usually use more than one. Call 1930 for the fastest action on money already lost. File at cybercrime.gov.in for the formal complaint record. Use sancharsaathi.gov.in to report fraudulent calls, SMS and SIMs. For larger losses, add a police FIR. Here is when to use each and what to have ready.
This is the number to call the instant you have lost money or shared sensitive details. It connects to the system that can flag your transaction across banks quickly, which is what gives you a chance of a freeze before the money is moved. Call it first in any financial fraud. Have ready the amount, the time, and the account, UPI ID or number it went to.
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is where you file the formal complaint. Choose the financial fraud option for money lost, or the relevant category for other offences. There is a dedicated path for crimes against women and children. You will receive a complaint reference number, which is the official record that lets banks and police take action and that you use to track status.
Use this portal to report fraudulent calls and messages, to flag a suspicious number, and to check or report SIMs. If a scam reached you by call or SMS, reporting the number here helps cut off the channel.
If the scam involved a fake investment scheme, a bogus lending app or an entity claiming to be regulated, the RBI's Sachet portal is where to report unauthorised financial activity.
For a significant loss, file an FIR at your local police station with your transaction IDs, bank statements and the chat or call logs. An FIR is often needed for any later recovery and supports the freezing of mule accounts.
Save everything before you do anything else. Screenshots of transactions, chats and calls. The UPI ID, number, email or website used. Any "official" documents or notices. The exact dates and times. Bank statements showing the debit. Do not delete messages even if they are embarrassing. They are the evidence that makes a freeze and an investigation possible.
Save evidence. Call 1930. Call your bank on its official number. File at cybercrime.gov.in. Report the number at sancharsaathi.gov.in. Add an FIR for larger amounts. Done in that order, fast, you give yourself the best possible chance.