On one hand, digital transactions have made our lives simpler and on the other side, it has opened a gateway for cybercriminals to execute their evil strategies to loot people. Scammers are using different tactics to hack sensitive information making it essential for everyone to know what to do if online fraud happens.
Immediate Steps to Take if Online Fraud Happens
In case you have encountered one or the other online scams like phishing scams, investment scams, bank fraud, or identity theft it is important to take quick action.
Here are some of the ways by which you can report your case to increase the chance of recovery of funds.
1. Stay Calm and Collect Evidence
Most of the time, people lose their minds in such cases, making it more difficult for them to take the right action. Also, scammers know the reactions too and they take advantage of such situations too, eventually resulting in more financial loss and distress.
It is therefore important for a person to remain calm and gather all relevant information, including transaction details, emails, messages, or any proof of fraud.
Screenshots and bank statements can be useful when filing complaints.
2. Report the Fraud to Your Bank Immediately
Almost all online frauds involve banking transactions. To prevent further losses, immediately contact your bank or payment service provider.
Request them to freeze the transaction and block your card if needed.
Many banks have a 24/7 helpline for such incidents.
3. File a Complaint with Cybercrime Authorities
India has a dedicated cybercrime portal where victims can report fraud. You can visit the portal to report online fraud in India.
To report cyber complaints do not forget to give detailed information and upload supporting proofs.
Other than the web portal, you can also call the Cyber Crime helpline at 1930 to file a complaint.
4. Lodge an FIR at the Nearest Police Station
Even if you have reported the case to cybercrime, filing an FIR makes your case stronger.
Hence, visit your local police station and file a First Information Report (FIR).
In financial fraud cases, you can also approach the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of your state police.
5. Report to the Payment Gateway or Service Provider
If you made the transaction through a payment gateway (such as Paytm, Google Pay, Razorpay, or PayPal), report the issue to them.
Many platforms have a dispute resolution system that may help in recovering lost funds.
6. File a Complaint Against a Fake Website
These days, scammers are using different tactics to reach the sensitive information of victims. One such way is creating fake websites.
These websites may involve fake investment schemes, e-commerce scams, or unbelievably cheap deals that attract victims and ultimately wipe out their bank accounts.
Now, in such a case, the question is how to file a complaint against a fake website.
It completely depends on the type of website; for investment websites, register a complaint on SCORES, a portal of SEBI. Additionally, you can report it to cybercrime authorities.
How to Prevent Online Fraud in the Future
Above are the steps that you can follow to register and report your case. Remember that filing a complaint does not give you a guarantee to recover losses.
Hence, it is more important to stay safe and alert to prevent such online fraud.
Here are some of the tips that you can follow:
- Never share OTPs, CVVs, or bank details with anyone.
- Verify the authenticity of investment schemes before investing.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or SMS.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Regularly monitor bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Report suspicious activities immediately.
Conclusion
Online fraud is on the rise. Only timely action and the right approach can increase the chances of recovery of your lost amount.
Awareness of such cases is the only way to stay protected from falling victim.
Other than this, if unsuspected fraud happens, quick action can prevent losses.
To make it easier, learn how to report online frauds in India or simply fill in the details in the form below, and a callback will be arranged to assist you in no time.
