Skip to content
Naksh FoundationProject CyberShield

Resource centre

Stay safe online — practical guidance

Short, practical advice you can share with family, students and colleagues.

Lost money to a scam? Call 1930 immediately and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. The sooner you report, the better the chance of recovery.

Fraud

Recognising phishing and online fraud

Phishing messages impersonate banks, couriers, employers or government offices to steal credentials or money.

  • Check the sender address and link destination before clicking.
  • Never share OTPs, PINs or passwords — no genuine organisation will ask for them.
  • Be wary of urgency, prizes, or threats of account suspension.
  • Verify requests through an official number or website you look up yourself.

Accounts

Protecting personal information and accounts

Strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication stop most account takeovers.

  • Use a password manager and a unique password for every account.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication, preferably with an authenticator app.
  • Keep phone, browser and apps updated.
  • Review app permissions and remove apps you no longer use.

Social media & AI

Safe use of social media and AI tools

Oversharing and manipulated media (deepfakes, cloned voices) are increasingly used in scams.

  • Limit who can see your posts, phone number and location.
  • Do not upload sensitive personal or official documents to AI tools.
  • Confirm unusual requests from family or colleagues by calling them directly.
  • Treat sensational videos or audio with caution until verified.

Payments

Digital payments and financial cyber fraud

UPI and card fraud often relies on tricking you into approving a payment request.

  • You never need to enter your UPI PIN to receive money.
  • Do not scan QR codes sent by strangers to receive a payment.
  • Only install apps from official app stores; avoid screen-sharing apps on request.
  • If money is lost, call 1930 immediately — fast reporting improves the chance of freezing funds.

Safety

Cyberbullying and online harassment

Harassment, stalking, impersonation and non-consensual sharing of images are offences.

  • Do not engage with the harasser; block and report on the platform.
  • Keep screenshots with dates, usernames and URLs.
  • Tell someone you trust and seek support.
  • Report at cybercrime.gov.in — complaints related to women and children can be filed anonymously.

Safety

Cyber safety for women, children and older adults

Scammers target people who are less familiar with technology or are isolated.

  • Set up parental controls and talk openly with children about online contacts.
  • Help older relatives recognise fake police or customs calls — no agency arrests anyone over a video call.
  • Agree a family code word for emergency money requests.
  • Keep emergency contacts and the 1930 helpline handy.

Response

Preserving evidence after cybercrime

Good evidence makes complaints actionable.

  • Do not delete messages, emails or call logs.
  • Take screenshots showing date, time, sender ID and URL.
  • Note transaction IDs, UTR numbers and bank details involved.
  • Save original files; avoid editing or forwarding them unnecessarily.

Response

Reporting cybercrime and seeking legal assistance

In India, report online at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call 1930 for financial cyber fraud.

  • File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
  • Call 1930 for financial cyber fraud, as soon as possible.
  • You may also approach your nearest police station or cyber cell.
  • Free legal aid may be available through your District Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

Official resources

This content is for general awareness and education only. It is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified legal professional or your nearest legal services authority.