Getting fake calls can be frustrating, right? But sometimes, these calls are dangerous too.
Wondering how?
Scammers use fake numbers to lure you by offering investment schemes that seem to be too good to be true, offering lottery, gifts in return for a high credit score, etc.
Such scams are spreading and impacting financial & emotional distress to almost everyone out there.
If you, too, have fallen victim to one or the other such scam, then it is time to take quick action. Learn what to do if online fraud happens.
Know how to register a complaint against fake calls and protect further losses.
Where to Complaint Against Fake Calls in India?
Fake calls can lead to different kinds of scams, like banking scam where the scammer ask for OTP, PIN, etc. Other than this, there are fake calls promoting fabricated investment & trading schemes.
Gift or lottery scams, where the scammer misguides you by offering gifts in return for a high credit score, etc.
In all, all these scams lead to wiping off your bank account, and hence crucial action must be taken quickly to avoid any further consequences.
Everyone must be prepared with steps and processes of how to report frauds in India.
1. Report to Cyber Crime Portal
The first and foremost action against such crimes is to report it to cyber crime. Follow the steps below to register it to the portal.
- Visit the cyber crime portal.
- Click ‘Report Other Cybercrime’
- Fill in details like the phone number and nature of fraud, and upload any evidence (call recordings, SMS screenshots, etc.)
- Submit the complaint.
2. Call the Cyber Crime Helpline
- In case you are not tech-savvy, you can report a complaint directly by calling the cybercrime helpline number- 1930.
- On call, share all details related to the scam, including the phone number.
- Post reporting do regular follow-ups to know the status of recovery.
3. Report to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India)
Since the scam is done through phone calls, it is important to report the fake phone number to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
Follow the steps below to register a complaint on TRAI.
- If you get spam calls, report them through the DND (Do Not Disturb) service.
- Send an SMS to 1909 in this format: COMP TEL NO XXXXXXXXXX; reason for complaint
- Some telecom providers (Airtel, Jio, Vi) also have in-app spam-reporting options. You can use them to register a complaint.
4. Report Banking Fraud to RBI
Since the scam resulted in the hacking of your bank account, it is crucial to inform RBI to track and block further transactions.
For this, follow the steps below:
- Visit the RBI Ombudsman Portal.
- Register and sign up.
- Log in using the credentials.
- Follow the guidelines to file a complaint.
- Do not forget to provide the transaction details.
5. File a Police Complaint
Even if you have filed a cyber complaint, do not skip lodging an FIR too. It will escalate your case and increase the chances of recovery of lost amount.
Here are some tips to follow to register a complaint against fake calls.
- For serious fraud cases, visit your nearest police station and file an FIR.
- Provide all possible details, including the scammer’s phone number and any financial losses.
Conclusion
Fake calls are annoying, but you don’t have to be a victim.
By staying cautious and reporting scams, you can help stop fraudsters in their tracks.
Next time you get a suspicious call, you’ll know exactly what to do. Stay alert, stay safe!
