Digital Fraud in India: OTP Scam, Digital Arrest & Legal Action (Step-by-Step Guide)

Digital fraud involves cheating using phones, internet, or digital platforms—most commonly through OTP scams, fake police calls (“digital arrest”), and UPI/payment fraud.

• OTP fraud: scammers impersonate bank/wallet officials and push you to share OTPs or “verify” transactions.
• Digital arrest scam: scammers pose as police/CBI and threaten arrest in fake cases to force immediate payment.
• UPI/payment fraud: fake links, QR codes, and screen-sharing apps are used to extract money.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 commonly applies in digital fraud matters:

• Section 318(4) BNS – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property (earlier IPC 420)
• Section 319(2) BNS – Cheating by personation (earlier IPC 419)
• Section 314 BNS – Dishonest misappropriation of property (earlier IPC 403)

Information Technology Act, 2000 provisions often added depending on facts:

• Section 66C – Identity theft
• Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources
• Section 66 – Computer-related offences

1. Call 1930 (Cyber Fraud Helpline) to attempt quick freezing of transactions.
2. Preserve evidence: screenshots, call logs, chat history, bank SMS/alerts, UTR/transaction IDs.
3. File a complaint online as early as possible—speed materially improves recovery chances.

Use the official cybercrime portal:

These screenshots are for orientation. The portal UI may change, but the flow remains similar.

Typical flow on the portal includes OTP-based login and a complaint checklist on the left. Keep transaction details ready.

1. Click “File a Complaint” / Login.
2. Enter mobile number → verify with OTP.
3. Fill incident details (keep it clear and specific; portal may require a minimum character length).
4. Enter transaction details: UTR/transaction ID, amount, bank details.
5. Upload supporting files: screenshots, call logs, and other proof.
6. Submit and save the acknowledgement/complaint number.

A lawyer typically improves outcomes by ensuring:

• FIR/complaint reflects the correct BNS offences (and IT Act sections where applicable).
• Evidence is preserved and presented in a way police can act on quickly.
• Follow-ups are structured, and escalation/court remedies are used if authorities delay.
• Recovery steps are coordinated with the bank and investigation timeline.

• Criminal prosecution under BNS
• Action under the IT Act
• Recovery through banking/legal channels
• Court intervention if authorities delay or fail to act

• Never share OTPs—no genuine bank official asks for OTP.
• Do not click unknown links or install screen-sharing apps on instruction.
• Verify identity independently before sending money.
• Treat urgency + threats + payment demand as a red flag.

Use IPC ↔ BNS Converter (Vakilpedia):

Use EvidenceHash to preserve digital proof:

If you or your client has been a victim of digital fraud, time is critical.

You can consult a qualified advocate for FIR drafting under BNS, cyber fraud litigation, and recovery proceedings:

Digital fraud is rising—but law + speed = protection.

The faster you act, the stronger your legal position.