How to File an FIR for Cyber Fraud in India
A formal complaint isn't just paperwork — it's often the document your bank, insurer, or credit bureau will ask for before they'll act.
Start online, not at a police station
For most cyber fraud, you don't need to visit a police station first. File through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in, under "Report Financial Fraud" or the general cybercrime category depending on what happened. This creates an official complaint and reference number, which is often what banks and other institutions require as proof you've reported the matter.
What you'll need
- Your basic details and the transaction/account details involved
- Screenshots of the scam message, call log, or fraudulent app/website
- Transaction ID, UPI reference number, or bank statement showing the disputed entry
- A clear, factual timeline of what happened, written as simply as possible
When you need a formal FIR at a police station
For larger losses, or if you need documentation for insurance, legal action, or a court matter, you may also need a formal FIR filed at your local police station or dedicated cyber crime cell. Bring your cybercrime.gov.in acknowledgment number and all your evidence — this significantly speeds up the process, since the portal complaint already establishes an official record.
What happens after filing
Cyber cells across India increasingly coordinate through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, meaning your complaint can potentially help freeze funds in the fraudster's account before they're withdrawn, especially if reported quickly. Response times vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and your local cyber cell's workload — persistence and timely follow-up genuinely help.
Where to start
See our "I've Been Scammed" page for the full sequence of steps, and our reporting directory for all official numbers and portals.
This article is general awareness information, not legal advice. See our disclaimer for details.