What to Do If Your UPI or Net-Banking Account is Hacked
Your heart sinks as you notice unauthorized transactions in your UPI or net-banking account. Every second counts when your financial accounts are compromised: the difference between complete recovery and permanent loss often comes down to how quickly you respond within the first critical hour.
Immediate Response: Your First Hour Determines Everything
Time is critical. Follow these steps immediately to minimize damage and maximize recovery chances.
Block UPI Services Instantly
Your primary objective is cutting off the attacker's access immediately. Contact your bank's customer support hotline and explicitly request UPI service suspension on your account. Most major Indian banks maintain 24/7 fraud helplines specifically for such emergencies.
Major Bank Fraud Helplines:
- State Bank of India: 1800 425 3800
- HDFC Bank: 1800 240 4332
- ICICI Bank: 1800 200 3344
- Axis Bank: 1800 419 5959
Document Everything Systematically
Create a comprehensive record of the compromise before taking further action. Screenshot all unauthorized transactions, noting exact timestamps, amounts, and recipient details. Capture your account balance before and after the fraudulent activity.
Official Reporting Procedures
National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
India's national cybercrime helpline 1930 operates as your first line of defense against financial fraud. Provide complete details including bank name, account number, UPI ID, transaction references, and estimated loss amounts. The helpline coordinates with various agencies and can expedite account freezing requests.
Cybercrime Portal Registration
Access cybercrime.gov.in and register a formal complaint under the "Financial Fraud" category. Complete the detailed form including your UPI transaction IDs, recipient VPA details, bank statements, and any communication records related to the fraud.
Escalation and Advanced Recovery Procedures
NPCI Dispute Resolution System
When bank-level resolution fails, escalate to the National Payments Corporation of India through their official UPI Dispute Redressal portal. NPCI operates as the regulatory authority overseeing India's UPI infrastructure and can coordinate recovery efforts across multiple banks simultaneously.
Banking Ombudsman Intervention
If your complaint remains unresolved after 30 days, submit a formal complaint to the Banking Ombudsman through cms.rbi.org.in. The Banking Ombudsman scheme provides free dispute resolution services and can order banks to reverse fraudulent transactions when proper evidence is presented.
Expert Cybersecurity Support for Critical Situations
When your financial security is compromised, having immediate access to cybersecurity expertise can dramatically improve your recovery outcomes. CyberTegh's emergency response team provides immediate expert guidance and comprehensive incident response support.
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