If someone has cheated you online and money has been deducted from your bank account, call 1930 immediately. This is India's national cybercrime helpline for reporting financial cyber fraud. You should also inform your bank or payment service provider without delay.
After calling 1930, follow the instructions in the acknowledgement SMS and complete the required complaint details on the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Do not stop after making the phone call.
This guide explains how the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline works, how to report online financial fraud, what information and documents you need, how to track your complaint and what happens to the money reported as fraud.
What Is the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline?
1930 is the national helpline number provided by the Government of India to help citizens report cyber-enabled financial fraud. It operates through the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), which is managed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In simple words, imagine that a fraudster has taken money from your bank account through a fake UPI payment request, phishing link or online investment scam. When you report the incident through 1930, the complaint can enter a system that connects the police with banks and other financial institutions. This helps the authorities trace the money and take timely action to prevent its further transfer.
The Government launched CFCFRMS in 2021 to support immediate reporting of financial cyber fraud and help stop fraudsters from moving the stolen money. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the system had helped save more than ₹11,158 crore in over 32.80 lakh complaints up to 30 June 2026. These figures are reported by the government and may change as new complaints are processed.
| Helpline number | 1930 |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Reporting cyber-enabled financial fraud |
| Managing organisation | Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |
| Online complaint portal | www.cybercrime.gov.in |
| System used for financial fraud reports | Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) |
When Should You Call 1930?
Call 1930 as soon as you discover that someone has cheated you through an online transaction or another cyber-enabled financial fraud. Do not wait for the next working day or spend time arguing with the suspected fraudster.
You can report incidents such as:
- UPI fraud: Someone tricks you into sending money through Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or another UPI application.
- Internet banking fraud: A fraudster uses your banking details to make an unauthorised transaction.
- Debit or credit card fraud: Someone misuses your card details to make an online payment or withdraw money.
- Fake customer care fraud: A person pretends to be a bank, company or customer-care executive and tricks you into transferring money.
- Investment and trading fraud: Someone promises high returns through a fake investment, stock trading or cryptocurrency platform.
- Job and business fraud: A fraudster takes money by promising a job, work-from-home opportunity or business benefit.
- Digital arrest scam: Someone impersonates a police officer or government official and threatens you into transferring money.
- Phishing and OTP fraud: Someone uses a fake link, message or phone call to obtain your banking information and steal money.
Even if you personally transferred the money because someone deceived or threatened you, explain the incident honestly. Do not describe a payment as unauthorised if you actually approved it after being tricked. The police and financial institution need the correct facts to assess the complaint.
A failed transaction, a delayed refund or a normal disagreement with a merchant does not automatically amount to cyber fraud. Report the incident through the appropriate bank, payment provider or consumer grievance channel if it is only a payment or service dispute.
What Should You Do Immediately After Online Financial Fraud?
Time is important in financial cyber fraud because the fraudster may quickly transfer the stolen money to another account. Follow these steps as soon as you discover the incident:
- Call 1930: Report the financial cyber fraud and provide the transaction details requested by the officer.
- Inform your bank: Contact your bank through its official helpline, mobile app, website or branch. Report the fraudulent transaction and ask the bank to secure the affected account, card or payment facility.
- Save the acknowledgement: Keep the SMS containing your cybercrime complaint acknowledgement number.
- Complete the online follow-up: Use the acknowledgement number and follow the instructions received from the helpline to submit the remaining details on the official portal.
- Preserve the evidence: Save bank messages, transaction receipts, screenshots, phone numbers, emails, website links and chat records.
Important: Do not wait until you have collected every document before reporting the fraud. Make the initial report first and arrange the remaining evidence afterwards.
What Information Should You Keep Ready Before Calling 1930?
Before calling 1930, keep your transaction details nearby. You do not need to memorise everything. Open your bank SMS, payment application or account statement and read the information directly from there.
| Information | What you should provide |
|---|---|
| Your mobile number | The number on which you can receive complaint-related messages. |
| Bank or payment service | Name of the bank, wallet, merchant or payment service from which money was deducted. |
| Account or payment details | Relevant account number, wallet ID, merchant ID or UPI ID, as applicable. |
| Transaction reference | Transaction ID, UTR number or other payment reference shown in your transaction record. |
| Transaction date and time | When the money was transferred or deducted. |
| Fraud amount | The total amount lost through the fraudulent transaction or transactions. |
| Suspect information | Fraudster's phone number, email address, UPI ID, bank details, website or social media account, if available. |
| Incident details | A short explanation of how the fraud happened and how you discovered it. |
If the fraudster took money through several transactions, prepare a separate list of each transaction's date, amount and reference number. This will help you explain the complete incident accurately.
How to Report Financial Fraud Through the 1930 Helpline?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 2 January 2026 for handling complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and CFCFRMS. Section 6.2 explains how complaints received through 1930 are registered.
Here is the process in simple steps.
Step 1: Dial 1930
Take your mobile phone and call 1930. The helpline is managed and operated by the concerned State or Union Territory police.
Tell the officer that you want to report financial cyber fraud. Explain when the incident happened, how much money you lost and which bank or payment service was involved.
Step 2: Provide Your Personal and Transaction Details
The officer will ask for basic information about you and the fraudulent transaction. Provide the correct mobile number, bank or wallet details, transaction reference, date and amount.
The officer will examine the information to determine whether the incident relates to cyber-enabled financial crime. If it qualifies, the officer will submit the complaint as a ticket on CFCFRMS.
Step 3: Receive the 14-Digit Acknowledgement Number
After the complaint is submitted through the 1930 helpline, you will receive an SMS containing a 14-digit acknowledgement number starting with the digit 3. The SMS is sent from an official header identified in the SOP as XXNCRP.
This number is important because you will need it to complete the remaining complaint details on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Step 4: Read the SMS Carefully
The acknowledgement SMS contains instructions to submit the complete details of the fraud on cybercrime.gov.in using the acknowledgement number.
Read the message carefully and follow the instructions. Do not delete it or share the acknowledgement number publicly.
Step 5: Complete the Online Complaint
Open the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and follow the instructions received in the SMS. Use your acknowledgement number to complete the required fraud details and provide the supporting information requested by the portal.
Keep your identity document, transaction information and evidence files ready before starting the online process. Submit accurate information and save the acknowledgement or confirmation shown after completing the required steps.
Remember: Calling 1930 is the initial reporting step. You must also complete the portal follow-up mentioned in the acknowledgement SMS.
How to File a Cyber Fraud Complaint Online at cybercrime.gov.in?
If you want to report financial cyber fraud online, you can use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. You can also use the portal to complete the follow-up required after calling 1930.
Follow these steps to understand the online reporting process.
Step 1: Open the Official Website
Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/. Check the website address carefully before entering your personal information.
Step 2: Select the Financial Fraud Reporting Option
On the portal, open the complaint reporting section and select the appropriate financial fraud option. If you are completing a complaint initiated through 1930, follow the acknowledgement-specific instructions received in your SMS rather than starting an unrelated new complaint.
Step 3: Complete the Required Login or Verification
The portal may ask you to register or verify your mobile number through an OTP. Enter the details requested on the genuine government website.
For a complaint initiated through 1930, use the acknowledgement number as instructed in the SMS. Do not assume that the process is identical to registering a fresh complaint directly on the portal.
Step 4: Enter the Fraud Details
Provide the information requested by the portal, such as the incident date, time, description, bank or wallet name, transaction ID, UTR number and fraud amount.
Explain the incident in the correct order. For example, mention whether you received a fake call, clicked a suspicious link, installed an application or transferred money after receiving a false promise.
Step 5: Upload the Required Documents
Upload your identity document and supporting evidence in the file formats and sizes accepted by the portal. Make sure the images are clear and all important information is readable.
Step 6: Submit the Complaint Details
Review the information before submitting it. Correct any mistakes in the transaction reference, date or amount. Complete the submission and save the confirmation details displayed by the portal.
You can access the official portal login and complainant checklist to check the information required before filing.
Do You Need to Complete the Online Complaint Within 24 Hours?
You may find older instructions on the internet stating that a person must complete the online complaint within 24 hours after calling 1930.
However, the older portal-hosted document carrying this instruction is specifically titled Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System (For Delhi Only). It should not automatically be treated as a current nationwide instruction.
The Ministry of Home Affairs' SOP dated 2 January 2026 states that the acknowledgement SMS sent after a 1930 complaint contains instructions to submit complete fraud details on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Section 6.2 does not itself specify a universal 24-hour deadline.
What should you do? Complete the online follow-up immediately and follow the instructions and any deadline mentioned in your actual acknowledgement SMS. Do not delay your complaint because you are unsure about the older 24-hour instruction.
You can compare the older Delhi-only instructions with the MHA/I4C SOP dated 2 January 2026.
Which Documents Are Required to Report Cyber Financial Fraud Online?
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal publishes a checklist of information and documents that complainants should keep ready. You should arrange these items before starting the online process.
1. Identity Proof
The portal lists the following identity documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving Licence
- Passport
You need to keep a soft copy of an accepted identity document in JPEG, JPG or PNG format. The published checklist specifies a maximum file size of 5 MB.
2. Transaction Details
For a financial fraud complaint, keep the following details ready:
- Name of the bank, wallet or merchant.
- 12-digit transaction ID or UTR number, as specified in the portal checklist.
- Date of the transaction.
- Total fraud amount.
3. Incident Description
Write a clear explanation of what happened. The portal checklist specifies a minimum of 200 characters for the incident description. It also lists certain special characters that should not be used in this field.
For example, explain how the fraudster contacted you, what they told you, when you transferred the money and how you discovered the fraud. Avoid unnecessary details and do not add information that you cannot verify.
4. Supporting Evidence
Upload the available evidence related to the incident. Useful records may include:
- Bank transaction screenshots or statements.
- UPI payment receipts.
- SMS and email messages.
- WhatsApp or other chat screenshots.
- Call details and phone numbers.
- Suspicious website links or social media profiles.
- Payment confirmations and other relevant documents.
The portal checklist specifies a maximum file size of 10 MB for each supporting evidence file. Follow the latest limits and file-format instructions displayed on the portal when uploading documents.
Important: Aadhaar is one of the accepted identity document options. The published checklist does not say that every complainant must submit Aadhaar specifically.
Why Should You Inform Your Bank Separately?
Reporting fraud through 1930 is important, but it does not replace your responsibility to notify the bank or payment service provider.
Contact the affected bank immediately through its official customer-care number, mobile application, internet banking facility or branch. Explain the fraudulent transaction and request the bank to take appropriate steps to secure your account or payment facility.
If your card, internet banking credentials or UPI access may have been compromised, ask the bank how to block or secure the affected facility. Do not continue using a compromised payment method until you have taken the necessary security steps.
Always obtain a bank complaint reference or acknowledgement number. Keep it separately from your cybercrime acknowledgement number.
The Reserve Bank of India advises customers to inform their banks immediately about fraudulent transactions and obtain an acknowledgement. It also explains that delays in reporting can affect the customer's liability.
Read the RBI guidance on customer liability for unauthorised electronic banking transactions.
What Happens After You Report Financial Fraud Through 1930?
After your complaint enters the CFCFRMS system, the concerned authorities and financial institutions can work together to examine the transaction trail.
Here is what happens in simple terms:
- Complaint recording: The helpline officer records the reported transaction and submits the eligible complaint to CFCFRMS.
- Police examination: The concerned police officers examine the complaint and take the necessary action under the prescribed process.
- Bank coordination: The system sends relevant information to the concerned banks and financial institutions.
- Transaction tracing: Authorities and financial institutions work to trace the movement of the reported money.
- Putting money on hold: If the money is available in a linked account and the required action is taken, the concerned institution may put the reported amount on hold.
- Further legal action: The police and other competent authorities take further action as required under the law.
The MHA/I4C SOP dated 2 January 2026 explains the process for coordinating with banks and financial institutions. It also contains separate procedures for holding money, handling grievances and restoring money to victims.
Will You Get Your Money Back After Calling 1930?
Reporting financial fraud quickly improves the opportunity for authorities and banks to take action. However, calling 1930 does not guarantee that you will receive the full amount back.
To understand this properly, you should know the difference between the following three stages:
1. Complaint Acknowledgement
This is the reference number confirming that your complaint has been recorded. It helps identify your report and is useful when completing the online follow-up or contacting the authorities.
2. Money Put on Hold
If the authorities and financial institutions trace the reported money and the required action is taken, the concerned amount may be put on hold. This means that the money is restricted from being freely withdrawn or transferred, subject to the applicable legal process.
It does not necessarily mean that the money has already been credited to your bank account.
3. Restoration of Money
Returning the money to the victim is a separate process. The amount may have to go through the prescribed legal and administrative procedure before it can be released.
The Government's 2026 SOP includes procedures for interim custody and restoration of money to victims. The MHA has also stated that the Money Restoration Module and Grievance Redressal Module under CFCFRMS became functional from April 2026.
Therefore, do not assume that a complaint acknowledgement or a message saying that money has been put on hold means that the refund has already been approved.
For further details, read the official SOP for NCRP-CFCFRMS, custody, restoration of money and grievance redressal.
Difference Between a 1930 Acknowledgement Number and an Online Complaint Number
Many people get confused because the acknowledgement number received after calling 1930 is different from the number generated when someone directly registers a complaint on the portal.
According to the MHA/I4C SOP dated 2 January 2026:
| Reporting method | Acknowledgement number |
|---|---|
| Complaint initiated through 1930 | 14 digits, starting with 3 |
| Complaint registered directly on the portal | 14 digits, starting with 2 |
Both references are important, but they relate to different complaint-registration routes. Keep the SMS and acknowledgement details safe so that you can identify the correct complaint while following up.
How to Track Your Cyber Crime Complaint Status?
After submitting the complaint, you can check its status through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
- Visit the Track Your Complaint page.
- Enter the information requested by the portal.
- Complete the OTP verification, if displayed.
- Enter the CAPTCHA or other verification details shown on the screen.
- Submit the information to view the available complaint status.
Keep your acknowledgement number and registered mobile number ready. If the portal does not show the information you need, contact the police authority handling your complaint.
The portal also provides a State/ UT Nodal Officer and Grievance Officer directory. The directory can help complainants who used the portal's Report & Track facility and did not receive an appropriate response.
What If You Cannot Connect to the 1930 Helpline?
If your call to 1930 does not connect, do not keep waiting while the fraudster may be moving your money.
- Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and report the incident online.
- Contact your bank immediately through its official fraud-reporting channel.
- Visit the nearest police station and explain the financial cyber fraud.
- Keep your transaction details and supporting evidence ready.
The MHA/I4C SOP also provides a process for reporting cybercrime complaints at police stations. Therefore, you do not have to depend on a successful phone call alone to report the incident.
How to Identify Fake Cyber Crime Helpline and Refund Calls?
After losing money, people often receive calls from individuals claiming that they can recover the stolen amount. Some fraudsters even pretend to be police officers, bank employees or cybercrime officials.
Be careful. A person may know your name, phone number or transaction details and still be a fraudster.
Follow these safety rules:
- Never share your UPI PIN, ATM PIN, banking password, CVV or OTP with a caller.
- Do not enter your UPI PIN to receive a refund.
- Do not install screen-sharing or remote-access applications because an unknown caller asks you to do so.
- Do not transfer money to anyone who promises to recover your stolen amount.
- Do not trust phone numbers found in random search results, social media posts or online advertisements.
- Use the official bank website, app or card to find customer-care details.
- Open the government portal by entering its official address directly into your browser.
The Reserve Bank of India has also issued warnings about fake customer-support numbers, remote-access applications and misleading payment requests. Read its official advisory on frauds involving fake customer-care numbers.
Important Official Websites and Contact Links
Use the following official resources when reporting or following up on a cyber financial fraud complaint.
| Service | Official link |
|---|---|
| National Cyber Crime Helpline | 1930 |
| National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal | cybercrime.gov.in |
| Portal login and complainant checklist | Open checklist |
| Track complaint status | Track complaint |
| State/UT Nodal and Grievance Officers | View contact directory |
| MHA/I4C Standard Operating Procedure | Read the SOP |
| RBI customer liability guidance | Read RBI guidance |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline number?
Ans. 1930 is the national helpline number provided by the Government of India for reporting cyber-enabled financial fraud. It helps citizens report fraudulent financial transactions through the CFCFRMS system.
Q. Is the 1930 cybercrime helpline toll-free?
Ans. Yes. The Government of India identifies 1930 as a toll-free helpline for assistance with reporting cyber financial fraud.
Q. Can I call 1930 to report UPI fraud?
Ans. Yes. You can call 1930 if someone has cheated you through a fraudulent UPI transaction. Keep the transaction ID, UTR number, date, amount and relevant bank or UPI details ready.
Q. Can I report online banking and debit card fraud through 1930?
Ans. Yes. You can report cyber-enabled financial fraud involving internet banking, debit cards, credit cards, wallets and other digital payment services.
Q. Should I call 1930 or report the fraud online?
Ans. You can use either the 1930 helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. If you call 1930, follow the acknowledgement SMS and complete the required online follow-up. Also inform your bank immediately.
Q. What is the acknowledgement number received after calling 1930?
Ans. Under the MHA/I4C SOP dated 2 January 2026, a complaint initiated through 1930 receives a 14-digit acknowledgement number starting with the digit 3. The SMS contains instructions for completing the complaint details on the portal.
Q. Why does my online cybercrime complaint number start with 2?
Ans. According to the 2026 SOP, a complaint registered directly on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal receives a 14-digit acknowledgement number starting with 2. A complaint initiated through 1930 receives a number starting with 3.
Q. Is it compulsory to complete the online complaint after calling 1930?
Ans. The 1930 acknowledgement SMS instructs the complainant to submit the complete fraud details on cybercrime.gov.in. Follow the instructions in the message and complete the required online steps.
Q. Is there a 24-hour deadline to complete the online complaint after calling 1930?
Ans. An older portal-hosted document carrying a 24-hour instruction is specifically marked For Delhi Only. The 2 January 2026 SOP directs complainants to follow the acknowledgement SMS but does not itself specify a universal 24-hour deadline in Section 6.2. Complete the online follow-up immediately and follow the instructions received.
Q. Which documents are required for a cyber financial fraud complaint?
Ans. The portal checklist asks complainants to keep an accepted identity document, incident details, bank or wallet information, transaction ID or UTR number, transaction date, fraud amount and supporting evidence ready.
Q. Is Aadhaar compulsory for filing a cybercrime complaint?
Ans. No. The portal checklist lists Aadhaar, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence and Passport as identity document options. It does not state that Aadhaar alone is compulsory.
Q. Can I report cyber fraud if I do not have all the documents?
Ans. Do not delay urgent reporting while collecting every document. Call 1930 and provide the available transaction details. Arrange the remaining documents and evidence for the online follow-up.
Q. Will I get my money back after reporting fraud on 1930?
Ans. Recovery is not guaranteed. If authorities and financial institutions trace the money and take timely action, they may put the amount on hold. Returning the money to the victim is a separate process governed by the applicable legal procedure.
Q. How can I check my cybercrime complaint status?
Ans. Visit the official Track Your Complaint page on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Enter the information requested on the page and complete the verification process.
Q. Should I inform my bank after calling 1930?
Ans. Yes. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately through its official fraud-reporting channel. Ask for an acknowledgement and take the necessary steps to secure your affected account or payment facility.
Q. What should I do if the 1930 helpline does not connect?
Ans. Report the incident through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, inform your bank and approach the nearest police station if necessary. Do not delay reporting just because your call does not connect.