Money & banking › UPI or online fraud
Money lost to a fake loan offer asking for a “processing fee”
What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).
Make my own list — free, 2 minutesYour situation
- Which best describes what happened? I was tricked into sending money (fake seller, job, investment, etc.)
Where you stand
- Next step Report to your bank AND to 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in — from 2027, compensation depends on both reports within 5 calendar days.
- In your favour From 1 Jan 2027, RBI rules also cover payments you were tricked or pressured into making.
Do these now
- Report at 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in and keep the acknowledgement number
An official report can lead to the receiving account being put on hold. Where: Call 1930 or file at cybercrime.gov.in.
Papers to gather
- Transaction records for every payment (date, time, amount, UTR/reference)
The 12-digit UTR or reference is the key to tracing each payment. Where: UPI app history, bank statement, card statement. - Bank SMS and email alerts for those payments
Alert times help show when you first knew. Where: Your phone and email. - The complete conversation with the scammer (chat, call log, emails, links)
Shows what was promised or claimed, and who was involved. Where: WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, email, call log. - The fake ad, job offer, website or investment page
Shows the deception. Where: Screenshots, browser history.
You may also need, depending on your answers
- 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in acknowledgement number — Your advocate and the police will use it to track the complaint.
- Your written complaint to the bank and its reference number — For money taken without your action, the time you informed the bank can affect whether you bear any loss.
- Anything left about the scammer (numbers, names, website, payment request) — Even partial details help.
- Receiving UPI ID, account number or phone number — Lets the police and banks act on the receiving account.
- Police complaint or FIR copy — Often needed for bank claims and recovery.
- The bank's reply (refund, rejection or none) — Needed to escalate to the RBI complaint system.
What the law says
Until 31 Dec 2026: for an unauthorised transaction caused by a third-party breach, you bear nothing if you tell your bank within 3 working days. For transactions from 1 Jan 2027 (RBI directions of 24 June 2026): the window is 5 calendar days, the rules also cover payments you were tricked or pressured into making, banks must decide within 45 days, and small frauds (loss up to ₹50,000) can get a one-time compensation of 85% of the net loss or ₹25,000, whichever is lower — only if you report to BOTH your bank and 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in within 5 calendar days.
General information, not legal advice.
Saboot will also ask
- When did the money leave your account?
- Where have you reported it so far?
- How did the money go?
Similar situations
- Money gone after I accepted a UPI collect request
- Scammer told me to scan a QR code to “receive” money
- I shared an OTP and money was taken
- Money taken after I installed a screen-sharing app
- Fake customer care number took my money
- Money taken from my account by fraud — I did nothing
- Card cloned and used at an ATM or shop
- Fraud through a fake electricity-bill disconnection message
Sources
- RBI press release, 24 Jun 2026: Amendment Directions on limiting customer liability in digital transactions (effective 1 Jan 2027)
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (MHA)
- RBI complaint portal (Integrated Ombudsman Scheme)
The full guide: I was cheated online or money left my account without permission · All situations