Open your phone on any given day, and you’ll likely come across yet another case of bank fraud. From phishing scams and OTP thefts to unauthorized debits, these financial traps are on the rise. That’s why everyone needs to know how to report bank fraud in India.
Quick action isn’t just important—it’s your best defense against financial loss and mental stress.
In this article, we’ll break down the entire reporting process step-by-step, including how to escalate your complaint if it’s not resolved.
How to Get Money Back from a Bank if Scammed in India?
Getting scammed drains you, not just financially, but emotionally too. Losing your hard-earned money to a fraud can leave you feeling helpless and frustrated.
But in such situations, you must stay alert and act without delay. When you report the fraud quickly, you increase your chances of getting the money back.
RBI guidelines clearly state that if you report the unauthorized transaction within three working days, the bank must investigate and, in many cases, reverse the transaction to recover your loss.
Follow these steps to report the case and take control of the situation.
1. Inform Your Bank First
As soon as you notice any suspicious transaction in your bank account or you want to report UPI frauds, contact your bank first:
- Call your bank’s customer care number (most are available 24×7)
- Send a detailed email to your branch manager
- Visit your nearest bank branch if needed
Ask for an acknowledgment of your complaint. Most banks initiate an internal investigation and may reverse the fraudulent transaction if reported quickly.
2. File a Complaint on the RBI CMS Portal
If your bank is unresponsive or provides a vague resolution, escalate it to the RBI’s Complaint Management System (CMS).
Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose your bank name and branch
- Describe the fraud in detail
- Upload proof (screenshots, emails, transaction IDs)
- Submit and note down the reference number
RBI generally responds within a few weeks, and many cases get resolved without needing legal action.
3. File a Cyber Crime Complaint
If you’ve been targeted by a digital scam, like UPI fraud, a fake app, or an email that led to fund loss, you must report it to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
To file a complaint, follow the steps below:
- Click “Report Other Cyber Crime.”
- Choose financial fraud as the category
- Fill in the details and upload documents
- Submit and receive a complaint ID for follow-up
This ensures your complaint reaches the local cyber cell for investigation.
4. Lodge an FIR at Your Local Police Station
For high-value frauds or if you feel the case needs legal attention:
- Visit your local police station with all documentation
- Ask to register an FIR (First Information Report)
Some states allow online FIR registration; check your state police website.
An FIR gives legal weight to your case, especially for recovery or criminal action.
However, if you don’t get any satisfactory response from any of the above platforms, register with us. Our team will assist you in taking your complaint forward.
How to Prevent Bank Frauds in India?
It’s easier to prevent a scam than to recover from one. Hence, one must stay aware of such frauds.
Here are some bonus tips on how to protect yourself from getting scammed in the first place:
- Never share OTPs, card details, or account credentials with anyone
- Don’t trust unsolicited calls claiming to be from the bank, RBI, or police
- Always verify loan offers, investment schemes, or cashback rewards
- Keep your mobile banking apps updated and use strong passwords
- Enable SMS/email alerts for every transaction
Final Words
Bank frauds don’t just take away your money, they impact your trust in the system. But the good news is, India has a structured system to report and resolve such frauds, provided you act fast, keep proper records, and follow the right channels.
Whether it’s your savings account, UPI wallet, or credit card, don’t stay silent or confused. Take action, report it, and stay aware.
