Sent money to a scammer? What to do now (India)

If you've just realised you sent money to a scammer, take a breath. You aren't the first, and it isn't a sign of foolishness. Scams are designed by professionals to rush people past their judgement.

What matters now is speed and order. The steps below are the ones official bodies point to. Do them in this order, ideally within the first hour. This guide can't promise you'll get your money back, and nobody honest can. Acting fast gives you the best chance.

Your golden-hour checklist

Call 1930the National Cyber Crime Helpline.
File a cyber fraud complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in.
Call your bank on its official number to report the fraud and freeze what you can.
Save the evidence before anything disappears.
Report the scammer's number, change your passwords and secure your phone.
Ignore anyone who offers to "recover" your money for a fee.

Each step is explained below. If someone is with you, split the tasks: one person calls 1930 while the other calls the bank.

Step 1: Call 1930 immediately

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal says any victim of financial cyber fraud can dial helpline number 1930. Call as soon as you can. Have these ready:

Your name, mobile number and bank name.
The amount, date and time of each transaction.
The UTR or transaction reference number from your UPI app or bank SMS.
Where the money went: UPI ID, account number, wallet or card details, if you have them.

Write down any reference number you are given.

Step 2: File a cyber fraud complaint online

Go to cybercrime.gov.in. According to the portal's FAQ, you choose "Report Other Cybercrimes", register with your name and an Indian mobile number, verify it with an OTP, and then describe the incident and upload your evidence.

Pick the correct State or UT. The portal says complaints are handled by the police of the State/UT you select.
Describe events in time order: first contact, what they said, what you paid, and when you realised it was a scam.
Attach screenshots and transaction proofs (see Step 4).

Checking your cyber fraud complaint status

After filing, you receive an acknowledgement number. The portal says you can track your complaint by logging in and clicking "check status". Keep this number safe. Your bank may ask for it.

Got a suspicious voice note? Check it free: 3 checks a day, no signup.

Check a voice note

Step 3: Call your bank's official number

Use the number on the back of your card, in your passbook, or in your bank's official app. Don't use a number from a search result or one the scammer gave you. Ask the bank to:

Register a fraud complaint and give you a complaint number.
Block your debit or credit card, UPI and net banking if your credentials may be exposed.
Note the exact time you reported.

Why the time matters: RBI's 2026 directions on fraudulent electronic banking transactions tell banks to advise customers to report fraud at the earliest, both to the bank and through the cybercrime portal or 1930. They say that the longer you take to notify the bank, the higher the risk of loss. They also say that losses from unauthorised transactions after you report fall on the bank. These directions apply to commercial bank transactions from 1 January 2027. Your bank can tell you which policy covers your case. None of this guarantees a refund, but it's one more reason not to wait.

Step 4: Keep the evidence

Scammers often delete chats or block you. Save everything now:

Screenshots of chats, profile pictures, payment requests and any links sent.
The scammer's phone numbers, UPI IDs, bank account details and website addresses.
Transaction IDs, UTR numbers, bank SMS alerts and account statements.
Call logs with times. If you have a call recording or voice note, keep the original file.
Complaint numbers from 1930, the portal and your bank.

If the scam used a voice note that sounded like someone you know, you can run it through SpotAClone. It gives Likely AI, Likely real or Unsure. That result is decision support, not proof, and it can't replace police evidence. Keep the original file for investigators either way.

Step 5: Report the number and lock things down

Report the number. Include it in your portal complaint. You can also report it on Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi, which accepts reports of suspected fraud calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages and asks for reports within 30 days. Chakshu itself says that if you've already lost money, you should use 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in, so do Steps 1 and 2 first.
Change passwords and PINs for net banking, UPI apps and email, especially if you shared any credentials or OTPs.
Uninstall unknown apps, particularly screen-sharing or "support" apps installed at the scammer's request.
Turn on alerts and watch your statements for the next few weeks.
Warn people close to you. If a family member's voice was copied, the same voice may be used on others.

Step 6: Beware of "recovery agents"

After a scam, victims are often targeted again. You may see social media posts, calls or messages from people claiming to be lawyers, "cyber cells" or hackers who can get your money back for an upfront fee. Treat this as a second scam.

Official complaints through 1930, cybercrime.gov.in, your bank and the police are free.
Real police will not ask you to pay to process your complaint.
Never share OTPs, PINs or screen access with anyone offering help.

What to expect next

Be realistic. Some cases move quickly and others take time. Outcomes depend on how fast the money was moved and which banks were involved. Keep your acknowledgement numbers together, respond if police or your bank contact you, and check your complaint status on the portal.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Scammers are skilled at what they do. Reporting helps investigators connect cases and may protect the next person.

To spot the next attempt early, read our guides on fake bank and OTP calls and the "digital arrest" scam.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the 1930 helpline number for?

1930 is India's National Cyber Crime Helpline. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal says any victim of financial cyber fraud can dial 1930. Call it as soon as you realise you have been defrauded.

How do I file a cyber fraud complaint online?

Go to cybercrime.gov.in, choose the option to report other cybercrimes, register with your name and an Indian mobile number using an OTP, then fill in the details of the fraud and upload your evidence. Keep the acknowledgement number you receive.

How do I check my cyber fraud complaint status?

According to the portal, you receive an acknowledgement number after filing, and you can track progress by logging in on cybercrime.gov.in and using the check status option. Complaints are handled by the police of the State or UT you select.

Will I get my money back?

Nobody can promise that. Reporting quickly through 1930, the portal and your bank gives authorities and banks the best chance to act on the transaction. Outcomes depend on the case, the banks involved and how fast the money moved.

Someone online says they can recover my money for a fee. Is that real?

Treat it as a second scam. Official complaints through 1930, cybercrime.gov.in, your bank and the police are free. Never pay an upfront fee or share banking details with a self-styled recovery agent.

Should I report the scammer's phone number too?

Yes. Include it in your cybercrime.gov.in complaint. You can also report the number on Chakshu in the Sanchar Saathi portal, which accepts reports of suspected fraud calls and messages within 30 days.

What to do if you sent money to a scammer: cyber fraud complaint steps