by AK Arora 
You just realized you have been scammed.
Maybe it was a fake investment platform that promised 20% monthly returns. Maybe a “CoinDCX support agent” called and convinced you to share your account details. Maybe a WhatsApp group pumped a coin and the admins disappeared with everyone’s money.
Your first reaction is panic. The second is: what do I do NOW?
The answer matters enormously. In crypto fraud, the first 60 minutes are the “golden hour” — the window during which Indian authorities can potentially freeze the fraudulent funds before they become untraceable.
Call 1930 immediately. That single action has saved countless Indians from permanent losses.
This guide tells you exactly what to do — step by step.
The Golden Rule — Act Within 60 Minutes
Crypto fraud in India: The Golden Hour
First 60 minutes:
→ 1930 helpline can coordinate with banks
→ Fraudster's account can potentially be frozen
→ Money may still be recoverable
After 24 hours:
→ Funds often converted to crypto
→ Moved through multiple wallets
→ Layered through DeFi protocols
→ Recovery becomes very difficult
After 72 hours:
→ Money likely gone permanently
→ International transfers completed
→ Criminal investigation only — no recovery
Every minute counts. Do not wait.
Step 1 — Call 1930 Immediately
1930 is India’s National Cyber Crime Helpline — a 24/7 free service specifically designed to help fraud victims.
Number: 1930
Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Cost: Completely free
Language: Hindi + English + regional languages
What to have ready before calling:
→ Your bank account number
→ Registered mobile number
→ Transaction amount and time
→ Transaction ID / UTR number / UPI reference
→ The fraudster's number/account/wallet address
→ Any screenshots or evidence
What happens when you call 1930:
1. Operator takes your complaint details
2. Immediately coordinates with your bank
3. Attempts to freeze the fraudster's account
4. Generates a complaint acknowledgment number
5. Escalates to cyber police if needed
Save this number right now: 📞 1930
Step 2 — Contact Your Exchange Immediately
If the fraud involved a crypto exchange account:
For hacked exchange account:
→ Contact exchange support IMMEDIATELY
→ Report the hack — most exchanges have
dedicated fraud/security teams
→ Request account freeze
→ Provide:
- Your account email/phone
- Last transaction details
- When you noticed the breach
Major Indian Exchange Fraud Contacts:
| Exchange | Contact Method |
|---|---|
| CoinDCX | [email protected] / In-app support |
| ZebPay | [email protected] / App chat |
| WazirX | [email protected] |
| Binance | Binance support chat (24/7) |
| Coinbase | help.coinbase.com |
For unregistered exchange fraud:
→ You were on an illegal platform
→ No direct exchange to contact
→ Go directly to police and 1930
→ Report the platform to FIU-IND
Raise a support ticket with:
→ Your Transaction ID (TxID)
→ 1930 acknowledgment number
→ Written request to freeze/investigate
→ Screenshot evidence
Step 3 — File Complaint on cybercrime.gov.in
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) is India’s official government portal for cybercrime complaints.
URL: cybercrime.gov.in
Operated by: Ministry of Home Affairs (I4C)
Available: 24x7
Cost: Completely free
Step-by-step filing process:
Step 1: Go to cybercrime.gov.in
Step 2: Click "Report Cyber Crime"
Step 3: Select "Financial Fraud"
Step 4: Under financial fraud select:
"Cryptocurrency Fraud" or
"Online Investment Fraud"
Step 5: Create account with mobile OTP
Step 6: Fill complaint form:
- Your personal details
- Incident description
- Financial loss amount
- Evidence upload
Step 7: Upload evidence (screenshots,
transaction IDs, chat records)
Step 8: Submit complaint
Step 9: Note down Complaint ID ← IMPORTANT
Step 10: Track status with Complaint ID
What information to include:
✅ Exact date and time of fraud
✅ How you were contacted (WhatsApp/Telegram/call)
✅ What was promised (returns, investment, etc.)
✅ Total amount lost (in INR)
✅ All transaction IDs and UTR numbers
✅ Fraudster's phone numbers/email/website
✅ Wallet addresses money was sent to
✅ Screenshots of all conversations
Step 4 — File an FIR at Cyber Police Station
For significant losses — file a formal First Information Report (FIR).
Important: Cybercrime has no jurisdiction limits in India. You can file from anywhere regardless of where the crime occurred.
Where to file:
→ Nearest Cyber Crime Police Station
→ OR nearest regular police station
(they must accept cybercrime complaints)
What to bring:
→ Printed screenshots of fraud evidence
→ Transaction records and bank statements
→ cybercrime.gov.in complaint number
→ 1930 complaint acknowledgment
→ Your Aadhaar and PAN for identification
→ Written complaint letter (bring extra copies)
If police refuse to file FIR:
→ File a written complaint to SP/DCP
→ Approach State Cyber Cell directly
→ File complaint with High Court if needed
→ Police CANNOT refuse to file cybercrime FIR
Every state has a dedicated District Cyber Crime Cell Nodal Officer. Your state police website will have contact details.
Step 5 — Contact Your Bank
If money was sent via UPI, IMPS, or bank transfer:
Call your bank's fraud helpline IMMEDIATELY
(Listed on back of debit card / bank website)
Major bank fraud helplines:
→ SBI: 1800-11-2211 (24x7 free)
→ HDFC: 1800-202-6161 (24x7 free)
→ ICICI: 1800-1080 (24x7 free)
→ Axis: 1800-419-5959 (24x7 free)
→ Kotak: 1860-266-2666 (24x7 free)
Request:
→ Freeze the outgoing transaction (if recent)
→ Block your account if compromised
→ Provide transaction reference numbers
→ File a fraud dispute
Important rule: If fraud is reported within 3 business days AND it was not due to your own negligence (sharing OTP, etc.), banks are required to investigate and potentially refund.
Step 6 — Report to FIU-IND
If the fraud involved an unregistered or illegal exchange:
File a complaint with:
Financial Intelligence Unit — India (FIU-IND)
Website: fiuindia.gov.in
Report:
→ The unregistered exchange name/URL
→ How they operated
→ Evidence of fraud
→ Transaction details
FIU-IND can investigate illegal VDASPs (Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers) operating without registration in India.
Step 7 — Report to CERT-In
For hacking, malware, or technical attacks:
CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team)
Website: cert-in.org.in
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91-1800-11-4949 (Toll Free)
Use for:
→ Exchange account hacking
→ Malware that stole crypto keys
→ Phishing website attacks
→ Technical security incidents
Evidence You Must Collect — Checklist
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of investigation and recovery.
Screenshot Everything
✅ All WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal conversations
✅ Email communications
✅ Social media messages
✅ The fraudulent website (URL + screenshots)
✅ Any investment "dashboard" you were shown
✅ Promises made (guaranteed returns, etc.)
✅ Payment confirmations
✅ Any certificates or fake documents sent
Save All Transaction Details
✅ Transaction IDs (TxID) — for crypto transfers
✅ UTR numbers — for UPI/IMPS transfers
✅ UPI reference numbers
✅ Bank account numbers you sent money to
✅ Crypto wallet addresses you sent to
✅ Date and time of all transactions
✅ Total amount lost (in INR)
Preserve Communication Records
✅ Phone numbers that called you
✅ WhatsApp numbers/groups
✅ Telegram channels/groups
✅ Email addresses
✅ Website URLs
✅ App names (fake investment apps)
Documents to Keep Ready
✅ Aadhaar Card
✅ PAN Card
✅ Bank statement (last 3-6 months)
✅ Exchange account statements
✅ Written description of what happened
Common Crypto Fraud Types in India
Type 1 — Fake Investment Platforms
How it works:
→ Platform promises 15-30% monthly returns
→ Shows fake "profits" in dashboard
→ Lets you withdraw small amounts initially
→ Asks you to invest more
→ Eventually blocks withdrawals
→ Disappears
Red flags:
→ Guaranteed high returns
→ Not FIU-IND registered
→ Pressure to invest more
→ No physical address or real team
Type 2 — Crypto Pig Butchering Scam
How it works:
→ Stranger on dating app or LinkedIn
→ Builds trust over weeks/months
→ Mentions they made money from crypto
→ Introduces you to "their platform"
→ Platform shows massive gains
→ When you try to withdraw — blocked
→ Ask for more money for "taxes" or "fees"
→ Disappear
2026 update:
→ Now using AI voice calls
→ Deepfake video calls from "fund managers"
→ Very sophisticated — hard to detect
Type 3 — Fake Exchange Apps
How it works:
→ Fake app looks identical to CoinDCX/WazirX/Binance
→ Downloaded from WhatsApp link or unknown website
→ You deposit real money
→ App shows fake portfolio
→ Cannot withdraw
→ App disappears
Prevention:
→ ONLY download from Play Store/App Store
→ Verify developer name
→ Check ratings and reviews
→ Never download from WhatsApp links
Type 4 — Exchange Support Scam
How it works:
→ "CoinDCX Support" calls about suspicious activity
→ Asks you to "verify" by sharing OTP
→ OR asks you to install remote access app
→ Once access gained — transfers everything
Reality: NO exchange will EVER call you unsolicited
and ask for OTP or remote access
Type 5 — Task Earning / Pig Slaughter Scam
How it works:
→ Telegram/WhatsApp group offers paid tasks
→ "Like 5 YouTube videos — earn ₹500"
→ Initial small payments build trust
→ Then asked to invest ₹5,000 for bigger task
→ Complete task but payment "stuck"
→ Need to invest more to "unlock"
→ Never get money back
2026 update:
One of the fastest-growing scam types in India
Warning — Secondary Scams After Fraud
After you report fraud or post about losses online — a second wave of criminals will contact you. They specifically target fraud victims.
Recognize these IMMEDIATELY:
❌ "Ethical hackers" on Instagram/Telegram
who claim they can trace and return stolen crypto
❌ "Recovery agents" demanding ₹5,000-₹50,000
upfront fee before starting recovery
❌ Callers impersonating RBI officers or CBI agents
asking you to "verify" transactions
❌ Anyone requesting your wallet keys or
seed phrase to "return funds"
❌ "Lawyers" who charge fees to file cases
(legitimate lawyers charge differently)
Rule: No legitimate authority will ask you for money to recover your money.
If approached by any of the above — immediately file another complaint against them as well.
Can You Get Your Crypto Back?
Honest answer: it is difficult, but not impossible.
Best chance of recovery:
→ Fraud reported within first hour
→ 1930 helpline called immediately
→ Exchange cooperation obtained
→ Indian bank accounts used (can be frozen)
→ Fraudster still active and identifiable
→ Amount significant enough for investigation
Lower chance of recovery:
→ Money already converted to crypto
→ Sent to foreign wallets
→ Layered through multiple wallets/DeFi
→ Reported after 72+ hours
→ Fraudster used anonymous platforms
Important note: The RBI’s ₹25,000 digital fraud compensation framework announced in February 2026 covers banking transaction fraud — but crypto losses fall outside its scope for now.
What police CAN do:
→ Freeze Indian bank accounts involved
→ Investigate and arrest Indian-based fraudsters
→ Work with exchanges for account data
→ Coordinate internationally via Interpol
→ File chargesheet for prosecution
How to Protect Yourself — Prevention is Best
✅ Only use FIU-registered exchanges
Verify at: fiu.gov.in → registered VDASPs
✅ Never trust guaranteed crypto returns
No legitimate investment guarantees returns
✅ Download apps only from Play Store/App Store
Never from WhatsApp links or unknown websites
✅ Never share OTP with anyone
No exchange or bank will ever ask for OTP
✅ Never share seed phrase or private keys
With ANYONE — ever — for any reason
✅ Research before investing
Google + search: "[Platform name] + scam"
✅ Enable 2FA on all accounts
Use Google Authenticator — not SMS
✅ Verify exchange registration
fiu.gov.in → shows all registered VDASPs
Read more: Is Crypto Safe in India?
Quick Reference — All Contacts in One Place
📞 National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930 (24/7)
🌐 Report Online: cybercrime.gov.in
📧 CERT-In: [email protected]
📞 CERT-In: 1800-11-4949 (Toll Free)
🌐 FIU-IND: fiuindia.gov.in
🚔 Local: Nearest Cyber Crime Police Station
Bank Fraud Helplines (call bank-specific number):
→ SBI: 1800-11-2211
→ HDFC: 1800-202-6161
→ ICICI: 1800-1080
→ Axis: 1800-419-5959
→ Kotak: 1860-266-2666
FAQs — How to Report Crypto Fraud India
What is the first thing to do if scammed in crypto?
Call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) immediately. This 24/7 free helpline can coordinate with banks to freeze fraudulent accounts — but timing is critical. Call within the first 60 minutes for the best chance of fund recovery.
Where to report crypto fraud in India?
File complaint at cybercrime.gov.in (National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal), call 1930 helpline, file FIR at nearest cyber crime police station, and contact your exchange’s fraud team simultaneously.
Can you get crypto back after being scammed in India?
Recovery is possible but difficult. The best chance is reporting within the first hour (1930 call), when Indian bank accounts involved can potentially be frozen. If money has already been converted to crypto and moved to foreign wallets, recovery becomes very difficult.
Is cybercrime.gov.in safe and legitimate?
Yes — cybercrime.gov.in is India’s official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Filing a complaint is completely free. Any website or person charging fees for complaint filing is itself a scam.
What evidence do I need to report crypto fraud?
Screenshots of all conversations, transaction IDs/UTR numbers, crypto wallet addresses, the fraudster’s contact details (phone/email/website), bank statements showing transactions, and the total amount lost in INR.
What if police refuse to file my crypto fraud FIR?
Police cannot legally refuse to file a cybercrime FIR. If refused, escalate to SP/DCP in writing, approach State Cyber Cell directly, or seek legal counsel for High Court intervention.
What is the 1930 helpline for crypto fraud?
1930 is India’s National Cyber Crime Helpline — a free, 24/7 service that can coordinate with banks and exchanges to potentially freeze fraudulent accounts in real time. It is the single most important first action for crypto fraud victims.
Are there fake crypto recovery services in India?
Yes — after reporting fraud, victims are often targeted by “recovery scammers” who pose as ethical hackers, RBI officers, or lawyers, demanding upfront fees to recover your money. No legitimate service charges upfront fees for crypto recovery.
Conclusion
Being scammed is devastating. The financial loss is real. The sense of betrayal — that someone deliberately deceived you — is real too.
But in India in 2026, you are not without recourse.
1930. cybercrime.gov.in. Your exchange’s fraud team. Your bank.
These four actions, taken within the first hour of discovering fraud, give you the best possible chance of limiting your losses and bringing the fraudsters to justice.
The key insight from cyber crime experts: most victims wait. They feel embarrassed. They wonder if reporting will help. They spend time trying to recover the money themselves. Every hour of inaction reduces the chances of recovery.
Call 1930 first. File the online complaint. Then deal with everything else.
And if you read this article before being scammed — share it with someone who might need it. Because in crypto fraud, the difference between severe loss and partial recovery is often just knowing who to call and how fast to call them.
1930. Save it now.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Legal procedures and helpline numbers may change. Always verify contact information on official government websites (cybercrime.gov.in, cert-in.org.in, fiuindia.gov.in). Consult a cybercrime lawyer for significant fraud cases.
