When people hear the term online fraud, they often assume it only means unauthorized bank transactions or card misuse. But in reality, online fraud has evolved—and it’s spreading faster than ever. Today, it includes everything from UPI scams and identity theft to digital arrest traps and fake trading apps. So, what to do if online fraud happens?
What immediate steps can you take—and in what sequence—to increase your chances of recovery?
Let’s get into the details and break down this complex process into simpler steps.
What to Do If Online Fraud Happens in India
The most important first step is to acknowledge that you’ve been scammed.
Many people struggle to accept it, often due to embarrassment, fear of judgment, or the hope that things will somehow work out. But the truth is: the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover your money.
So once you realize you’ve been duped, don’t hesitate.
Take action immediately.
Follow the steps below to report the fraud and escalate the matter through the right channels if needed.
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, 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. Inform 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. 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.
Apart from this file, the complaint in the respective platform, depending upon the nature of the complaint.
How to Report Online Frauds in India?
Now, reporting online fraud in India depends on the type of scam you encountered.
Below is the detailed list of types of fraud and respective platforms to register a complaint.
| Type of Fraud | Where to File a Complaint |
| Investment, trading, and stock market scams | SEBI SCORES portal |
| Demat & Broker-related issues | SEBI SCORES & NSE/BSE Grievance Portals |
| Registered RA/IA Fraud | SEBI SCORES & NSE/BSE Grievance Portals |
| Fake Job Offer or Prepaid Task Scam | Cyber Crime Portal |
| UPI Scams, Card Fraud or Phishing Scams | Cyber Crime Portal |
Now, let’s get into the detail of how to file a complaint on these platforms.
How to File a Cyber Crime Complaint?
India has a dedicated cybercrime portal where victims can report fraud. You can visit the portal to report online fraud in India.
Although there is no defined cyber crime complaint time limit, acting quickly increases the chance of getting recovery of losses.
To report cyber complaints, do not forget to give detailed information and upload supporting documents.
Here are the steps to report the complaint online:
- Visit the cyber crime portal.
- Register using your PAN details
- Login with user id and password
- Select the scam type.
- Draft your complaint
- Upload evidence document
- Submit and note down the acknowledgement number.
How to Complaint in SEBI?
If you’ve been cheated by a SEBI-registered advisor, broker, or stock market platform, you can file a complaint through SEBI SCORES (SEBI Complaints Redress System). It’s an online platform designed to help investors report grievances related to stock market services.
- Visit the SCORES portal.
- Click on “Register Here” to create an account (if new)
- Login and click on “Complaint Registration”
- Fill in all details related to your issue (entity name, complaint type, description)
- Upload all supporting documents (screenshots, receipts, emails)
- Submit and note down the Complaint Reference Number for tracking
How to File a Complaint in NSE?
If you’ve faced issues with a stockbroker, trading member, or any NSE-registered entity, you can raise your concern through the NSE Investor Grievance Portal.
- Visit NICEPLUS portal of NSE
- Register/Login using your email and mobile number
- Click on “Lodge Complaint”
- Select the member/broker against whom the complaint is being filed
- Fill in the complaint details (issue type, trade details, etc.)
- Upload documents like contract notes, ledger, emails, screenshots
- Submit and note the Complaint Number for future tracking
How to File a Complaint in BSE?
In case your broker is registered with BSE only, then you can follow steps below to raise the concern:
- Visit Investorhome portal in website.
- Click on “Register Complaint”
- Choose whether you’re an existing oar new user
- Fill in details like broker name, complaint type, and trade info
- Upload relevant documents (contract note, ledger, chat/email proof, etc.)
- Submit the complaint and save the reference number
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.
Need Help Filing a Complaint?
If you’re experiencing a any kind of online fraud and need help documenting it or filing a formal complaint online —we can help.
We work with cyber victims and stock market investors who’ve faced real losses and want structured support in filing with the cyber crime, broker, SEBI, NSE, or via Smart ODR.
For now check how our team helped a victim in getting recovery from a SEBI registered advisory by following right protocol and process.
For now, you can fill the form below and we will get in touch.
