India Scams: Digital Arrest, UPI & Online Fraud Guide
Common scams in India and how to report quickly via the 1930 helpline and cybercrime.gov.in.
Emergency number: 112 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
India faces a high volume of online fraud including 'digital arrest' scams, UPI and bank fraud, fake job and loan-app scams, and investment fraud. Fast reporting via the national cybercrime helpline 1930 can help freeze fraudulent transfers. This guide outlines the main scams and official routes.
Common scams
- 'Digital arrest' / fake police and CBI scams
- UPI and bank fraud
- Loan-app harassment and fake loan scams
- Investment and task scams
Tourist-specific scams
- Rigged taxi/auto fares
- Gem and shopping commission scams
- Fake tour guides
Online shopping scams
- KYC-update phishing
- Delivery smishing
- Fake shopping sites
Job scams
- Task scams
- Work-from-home and data-entry scams
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading apps
- Crypto and 'AI bot' schemes
How to report a scam here
- Call 1930 (national cybercrime helpline) immediately to attempt a freeze
- Report online at cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact your bank to block and dispute transfers
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- Cybercrime helpline — Dial 1930 as fast as possible
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Speed is critical: call 1930 and your bank immediately to try to freeze a fraudulent UPI or bank transfer. No genuine police force conducts 'digital arrests' over video calls demanding money.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'digital arrest' scam?
Scammers impersonate police or agencies over video call, claim you're under investigation, and keep you on camera ('digital arrest') while pressuring you to transfer money. It is entirely fake — real police don't operate this way.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance