How to report a UPI fraud, step by step
Report fast, the first hour matters most
First, breathe. Then move fast. The one thing that most decides whether you get your money back is speed. Stolen money moves quickly, so the first hour gives your report the best chance of freezing it. Here is exactly what to do, in order.
This is general education, not financial or legal advice. The steps and screens are as of the date above, and your app or the portal may look different. Always confirm the current process on the official sites.
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Call 1930 right away
Dial 1930, the national cyber fraud helpline set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the moment you notice the fraud. The faster you call, the better the chance your bank can freeze the money before the scammer withdraws it.
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Tell your bank or app and freeze the money
Open your bank or UPI app, report the transaction as fraud, and block the card or account. Ask the bank to raise a dispute. This stops further transfers while your complaint is handled.
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Open the official portal, cybercrime.gov.in
File your written complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Search for it and open only the official address, which ends in gov.in. Avoid lookalike sites that copy the name.
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Keep these details ready
Before you file, the portal asks you to have a few things ready: the incident date and time, the bank or wallet name, the 12 digit transaction ID, the amount, and any evidence like screenshots. Having these handy makes the form quick.
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Register your complaint
On the portal, tap Register a Complaint, accept the terms, and fill in the details of the fraud. Submit it and save the acknowledgement number the portal gives you.
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Save your evidence
Keep a record of the transaction: the amount, the date, and the reference number, plus screenshots of any messages from the scammer. Here is a payment record with the personal details masked. Never share an OTP or PIN with anyone, even someone claiming to be the bank.
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Know your money-back right
Under RBI rules, if the fraud was not your fault and you tell your bank within three working days, your liability can be zero. Report later and you may bear part of the loss. Keep your complaint acknowledgement safe. These rules can change, so confirm the current limits on rbi.org.in.
Questions people ask
What is the cyber fraud helpline number in India?
1930 is the national cyber fraud helpline, set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Call it as soon as you spot a UPI or online payment fraud, then file the written complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
Can I get my money back after a UPI fraud?
It is possible if you act fast. Reporting in the first hour gives your bank the best chance to freeze the money. Under RBI rules, if the fraud was not your fault and you inform your bank within three working days, your liability can be zero. Confirm the current rule on rbi.org.in.
What details do I need to file a cybercrime complaint?
Keep the incident date and time, the bank or wallet name, the transaction ID, the amount, and screenshots of any messages. The portal lists these as the information to have ready before you file.
Will the bank ask for my OTP to reverse a fraud?
No. No bank or official ever asks for your OTP or UPI PIN, not even to reverse a fraud. Anyone asking for it is a scammer. Report on 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in instead.
Source: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) and RBI customer protection rules.
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