Stay Safe Online

Cyber Awareness Resources

Comprehensive, practical tips to protect yourself from cyber crimes in India. Browse by category or scroll through to learn how to stay safe.

Emergency Actions — If You've Been Scammed

1

Block Your Account

Call your bank immediately and request to freeze your account or block your card.

2

Call 1930 Helpline

Dial the National Cyber Crime Helpline for immediate guidance and assistance.

3

Report on Portal

File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or on this portal with full details.

4

Preserve Evidence

Screenshot chats, save emails, note transaction IDs, and do not delete anything.

Safety Tips by Category

  • 1Never share OTP, UPI PIN, or CVV with anyone — banks never ask for these.
  • 2Always verify the UPI ID or account details before sending money.
  • 3Avoid using screen-sharing apps (AnyDesk, TeamViewer) during bank-related calls.
  • 4Beware of fake 'KYC update' calls or SMS claiming your account will be blocked.
  • 5Do not click on unknown payment links received via SMS, WhatsApp, or email.
  • 6Report suspicious transactions to your bank immediately within the golden hour.
  • 1Always check for HTTPS and verify the domain spelling before entering credentials.
  • 2Avoid clicking shortened or suspicious URLs from unknown sources.
  • 3Do not download attachments from unknown or unexpected emails.
  • 4Verify the sender's email domain carefully — scammers often mimic official domains.
  • 5Government websites always end with .gov.in — verify before sharing info.
  • 6Hover over links to preview the actual URL before clicking.
  • 1Do not share personal information (Aadhaar, PAN, phone number) publicly.
  • 2Beware of fake job offers or loan approvals on social media.
  • 3Report impersonation accounts immediately to the platform.
  • 4Enable privacy settings — restrict who can see your posts and personal info.
  • 5Avoid accepting friend/follow requests from unknown profiles.
  • 6Never send money to someone you have only met online.
  • 1Use strong, unique passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • 2Enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts.
  • 3Do not reuse the same password across multiple sites.
  • 4Use a reputable password manager to store credentials securely.
  • 5Change passwords immediately if you suspect an account breach.
  • 6Never share your password with friends, family, or support agents.
  • 1Install apps only from official stores (Google Play Store / Apple App Store).
  • 2Keep your operating system and apps updated to patch vulnerabilities.
  • 3Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or financial transactions.
  • 4Use a reputable antivirus / anti-malware software on all devices.
  • 5Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use in public places.
  • 6Review app permissions regularly and revoke unnecessary access.
  • 1Report fraud immediately — the 'golden hour' is critical for fund recovery.
  • 2Contact your bank helpline to block cards and freeze suspicious transactions.
  • 3Capture screenshots and preserve all evidence (chats, emails, transaction IDs).
  • 4File an official complaint on the national cybercrime portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
  • 5Dial 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) for immediate assistance.
  • 6Keep a written record of all communications with your bank and authorities.

Common Scam Examples

Real-world fraud scenarios reported frequently in India. Knowing these patterns helps you recognize and avoid them.

Fake KYC Update Call

Scammer impersonates a bank official and asks you to download a screen-sharing app to 'update KYC'. They then access your banking app remotely.

OLX / Marketplace Buyer Scam

A fake buyer claims to be an army officer and sends a QR code or UPI request, asking you to 'receive' money — but the request actually debits your account.

Job Scam with Registration Fees

Fraudsters post fake job listings and ask candidates to pay 'registration', 'training', or 'security deposit' fees before onboarding. Legitimate companies never charge applicants.

Lottery / Prize Scam

You receive a message saying you've won a lottery or prize. To claim it, you must pay 'tax' or 'processing fees'. No legitimate lottery asks winners to pay in order to claim their prize.

Remote Access App Scam

Caller convinces you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer for 'tech support' or 'refund processing', then takes control of your device and initiates unauthorized transactions.

National Cyber Crime Helpline

1930