You click on a tempting ad, find an unbelievable deal, or receive a message about a prize—and before you know it, your money or personal data is gone.
Online frauds through fake websites and scam links are now one of the most common cybercrimes in India. The good news? You can report them and take legal steps.
Online scam websites are often disguised as:
| Type of Scam Website | Example |
|---|---|
| Fake e-commerce platforms | Selling gadgets, clothes, or electronics at heavy discounts |
| Phishing sites | Asking you to log in to your bank, UPI, or social media accounts |
| Lottery/prize scams | Claiming you’ve won money but asking for “processing fees” |
| Investment frauds | Offering crypto, forex, or trading returns with guaranteed profits |
| Impersonation | Sites pretending to be government services or known brands |
Many of these sites look real, use logos of trusted companies, or even have ads on social media. But they’re designed to steal your money, identity, or sensitive login details.
If you’ve been scammed or even suspect a site is fake, don’t ignore it. The first thing to do is preserve proof.
| What to Collect | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Website URL | So authorities can verify and block it |
| Screenshots of chat/emails | To show the interaction or promises made |
| Transaction details | UPI IDs, account numbers, invoice screenshots |
| Time and date | Helps in investigation and tracing IP/data trails |
Next, report the fraud. Here’s how:
| Where to Report | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Cyber Crime Portal | Click on “Report Other Cybercrime” → Select “Online Financial Fraud” and submit the details |
| Helpline 1930 | Call immediately after the fraud—this is monitored by the National Cyber Crime Reporting System (NCCRP) |
| Police Station or Cyber Cell | File an FIR with proof. Ask for Zero FIR if needed |
If you’ve lost money to UPI fraud or payment app scams, this blog may help: How to File an FIR for Cybercrime (Online & Offline)
Reporting quickly improves your chance of freezing the stolen money before it’s withdrawn. That’s why calling 1930 within the first few hours is crucial.
You can also report scam websites to:
- CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)
- Google Safe Browsing Report Page
- RBI’s Sachet Portal – for financial frauds and unauthorized lending platforms
If someone uses your personal info or bank account without permission, also read: How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Legally
After you report a scam website—whether through the Cyber Crime Portal or by calling 1930—your complaint is forwarded to the state cyber cell or local police station.
If the fraud involves a financial transaction, quick action can sometimes help freeze the beneficiary account or block the fake site before more people fall for it.
In cases involving major scams, the Indian government can direct agencies to block the domain, investigate backend servers, or issue public alerts.
If your money has already been transferred, the police may also work with banks or payment gateways to recover it—though this depends on how fast you act and the stage at which the money is traced.
If police refuse to file an FIR or delay action, you can escalate the matter:
| Action | Legal Route |
|---|---|
| Contact Senior Police Officials | Send a written complaint to the SP or Commissioner |
| Approach Court | File a private complaint under Section 200 CrPC |
| Report to Sector Regulators | Use RBI Sachet, SEBI, or CERT-In depending on the scam type |
Meanwhile, knowing how to spot a fake website can save you from future fraud:
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Unusual URL | Misspellings like “amaz0n.in” or “flipkartsale.com” |
| No HTTPS (padlock missing) | Insecure site, no encryption |
| Only UPI/Wallet payments | No trusted payment gateways or cash on delivery |
| Fake testimonials & copied content | Often stolen from legit platforms |
| High-pressure deals | “Limited time only” or “only 1 left” tactics to rush you |
If the scam included defamatory claims or fake reviews harming your reputation, this may help: How to Legally Remove Defamatory or Fake Reviews Online
Reporting these sites doesn’t just protect you—it helps prevent the same scam from affecting thousands of others. The government and CERT-In regularly block such domains once alerted, but public complaints are key triggers.
FAQs
1. Can I recover money lost in an online scam?
Sometimes. If you report quickly via 1930 or the Cyber Crime Portal, recovery chances improve.
2. What is CERT-In and how does it help?
CERT-In is India’s cybersecurity agency. It tracks threats and blocks malicious websites reported by users or government bodies.
3. Are fake shopping websites illegal?
Yes. Creating or promoting fraudulent websites is punishable under the IT Act and IPC Sections 420, 468, and 471.
4. Can I report a scam even if I didn’t lose money?
Absolutely. Early reporting helps prevent harm to others and may lead to the site being blocked.
5. Do I need to visit the police station in person?
Not always. Online reporting is valid. But for FIR registration
