Cyber fraud glossary

Cyber Fraud Glossary

Plain-English meanings of scam, banking, UPI, reporting, and identity-safety terms used in India.

For victims, families, and helpers. Simple explanations only - not legal advice.

Lost money or shared OTP? Act first.

If money has just left your account, first call 1930, report on cybercrime.gov.in, and inform your bank through official channels. Use this glossary after you have taken the urgent step.

Start rescue check → Know your rights Report on official portal
How to use this glossary

Read the meaning, then take the safer next step.

Each term is written for quick understanding during a stressful situation.

Meaning

What the term means in cyber-fraud reporting or safety.

Why it matters

Why the term can affect reporting, banking, accounts, or evidence.

What to do

The calm practical action that usually comes next.

Warning

What not to share or what to avoid while dealing with the issue.

Quick jump

Find the term category.

Emergency reporting

Terms used when you report quickly.

Reporting

1930

Meaning:
India's cybercrime helpline for urgent financial cyber-fraud reporting.
Why it matters:
Early reporting can help official channels review the transaction faster.
What to do:
Call if money has moved, then save any reference number and file online too.
Never share / warning:
Do not share OTP, UPI PIN, password, or full card details on any callback.
Portal

cybercrime.gov.in

Meaning:
The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for online cybercrime complaints.
Why it matters:
It creates an official complaint record for cyber fraud and related incidents.
What to do:
Open the site yourself, file the complaint, and save the acknowledgement.
Never share / warning:
Do not use links sent by strangers. Type the official address yourself.
Record

Acknowledgement number

Meaning:
A reference number given after an official report or complaint is submitted.
Why it matters:
It helps you follow up with banks, cybercrime portal, police, or platforms.
What to do:
Screenshot it, write it down, and include it in later communication.
Never share / warning:
Do not confuse it with OTP or login codes. Never share authentication codes.
Follow-up

Complaint status

Meaning:
The current stage shown by a bank, app, platform, portal, or police process.
Why it matters:
It tells you what has been received, reviewed, escalated, or closed.
What to do:
Check through official channels and keep screenshots of every update.
Never share / warning:
Do not pay anyone who claims they can change the status for a fee.
Police

Cyber cell

Meaning:
A police unit or desk that handles cybercrime-related complaints.
Why it matters:
They may guide local reporting, evidence submission, and investigation steps.
What to do:
Carry your complaint acknowledgement, evidence summary, and contact details.
Never share / warning:
Do not trust random numbers found through search ads or forwarded messages.
Escalation

Nodal officer

Meaning:
A designated escalation contact at a bank, platform, or service provider.
Why it matters:
Written escalation may help when support or a branch is not responding.
What to do:
Use the official website or app to find the correct grievance route.
Never share / warning:
Do not email passwords, OTPs, UPI PINs, or full bank details.
Bank & payment

Terms used by banks and payment apps.

Bank

Bank complaint

Meaning:
A formal request to your bank or payment app about a disputed transaction.
Why it matters:
It creates a record inside the bank's official support or fraud process.
What to do:
Report through official bank channels and ask for a complaint number.
Never share / warning:
Do not give OTP, PIN, password, or screen access to anyone claiming to help.
Recipient

Beneficiary account

Meaning:
The account, UPI ID, wallet, or payment destination that received money.
Why it matters:
It helps banks and official reporting channels trace where money went.
What to do:
Save the beneficiary name, account number, UPI ID, screenshots, and UTR.
Never share / warning:
Do not contact the beneficiary yourself if it creates risk or harassment.
Fraud route

Mule account

Meaning:
An account used to receive or move scam money, often through another person.
Why it matters:
Scam money may move quickly through several accounts or wallets.
What to do:
Report the transaction trail with exact IDs and timestamps.
Never share / warning:
Do not accept money transfers for strangers or allow account use for commission.
Bank action

Lien / freeze

Meaning:
A hold placed by a bank or authority on funds or account activity.
Why it matters:
It may limit movement of disputed money, depending on facts and official action.
What to do:
Report quickly, keep complaint numbers, and follow the bank's official process.
Never share / warning:
No one can guarantee a freeze. Do not pay recovery agents.
Dispute

Chargeback / dispute

Meaning:
A request asking a bank or payment provider to review a transaction.
Why it matters:
It may be relevant for card, wallet, app, or merchant-related payment issues.
What to do:
Use the official bank or app complaint route and submit evidence.
Never share / warning:
Do not assume every fraud has a chargeback route or guaranteed refund.
Escalation

RBI CMS / Ombudsman

Meaning:
Official RBI grievance channels for eligible unresolved banking complaints.
Why it matters:
It may be an escalation route after trying the bank's own complaint process.
What to do:
Keep bank complaint numbers, dates, emails, screenshots, and responses.
Never share / warning:
Do not treat it as a guaranteed recovery route or skip bank reporting.
UPI

Terms you may see in UPI fraud.

Identifier

UPI ID

Meaning:
A payment address such as a name or number linked to a UPI app or bank.
Why it matters:
It helps identify where money was sent or who requested payment.
What to do:
Save the exact UPI ID from the app, SMS, or screenshot.
Never share / warning:
A UPI ID can receive money, but your UPI PIN authorizes payments.
Secret

UPI PIN

Meaning:
The secret PIN used to approve outgoing UPI payments.
Why it matters:
Entering it can send money out of your account.
What to do:
Change it in your official UPI app if you suspect it was seen or shared.
Never share / warning:
Never share it. You do not need a UPI PIN to receive money.
Request

Collect request

Meaning:
A UPI request asking you to approve payment to someone else.
Why it matters:
Scammers use it to make victims think they are receiving money.
What to do:
Reject unknown requests and screenshot suspicious ones before deleting.
Never share / warning:
Do not enter your PIN to receive a refund, prize, or salary.
Payment

QR code payment

Meaning:
A payment started by scanning a QR code in a UPI or banking app.
Why it matters:
Scanning a code usually helps you pay someone, not receive money.
What to do:
Check the receiver name and amount before approving anything.
Never share / warning:
Do not scan QR codes sent as refunds, prize claims, or verification.
Proof

UTR / transaction ID

Meaning:
A unique reference number for a payment transaction.
Why it matters:
It helps banks and reporting channels locate the exact payment.
What to do:
Copy it from bank SMS, statement, or app history and save screenshots.
Never share / warning:
Share it only through official reporting routes, not with recovery agents.
Identity & KYC

Terms linked to identity and document misuse.

Verification

KYC

Meaning:
Know Your Customer checks used by banks, apps, telecom, and financial services.
Why it matters:
Scammers misuse fake KYC pressure to collect documents, selfies, or OTPs.
What to do:
Open the official app or website yourself and check if action is really needed.
Never share / warning:
Do not send Aadhaar OTP, PAN scans, selfies, or bank details through chat links.
Aadhaar

Aadhaar lock

Meaning:
An official UIDAI feature that can restrict use of Aadhaar authentication.
Why it matters:
It may reduce risk if Aadhaar misuse is suspected.
What to do:
Use official UIDAI services and keep your registered mobile secure.
Never share / warning:
Never share Aadhaar OTP with callers, agents, or links in messages.
Biometric

Biometric lock

Meaning:
A UIDAI safety control for Aadhaar biometric authentication.
Why it matters:
It may help protect fingerprint or iris-based Aadhaar authentication.
What to do:
Use the official UIDAI route and check activity where applicable.
Never share / warning:
Do not follow caller instructions to unlock or approve Aadhaar access.
Identity

PAN misuse

Meaning:
Use of your PAN details for accounts, loans, or activity without your consent.
Why it matters:
It can affect financial records, credit reports, and fraud complaints.
What to do:
Check official records, credit reports, and report suspicious use promptly.
Never share / warning:
Do not send PAN copies through unverified links or messaging apps.
Phone

SIM swap

Meaning:
Fraud where someone gets control of your mobile number or SIM service.
Why it matters:
Your number may receive OTPs, account alerts, and recovery messages.
What to do:
Contact your telecom provider through official channels and secure key accounts.
Never share / warning:
Do not share SIM, porting, or verification codes with callers.
Police process

Process information only - not legal advice.

These terms help you understand records and next steps. For legal advice, speak to a qualified advocate or legal aid authority.

Record

FIR

Meaning:
A First Information Report is a formal police record for certain offences.
Why it matters:
It may be relevant for serious cybercrime, bank follow-up, or platform action.
What to do:
Carry evidence and complaint acknowledgements when speaking to police.
Never share / warning:
This glossary cannot say whether an FIR must be registered in your case.
Complaint

Police complaint

Meaning:
A written or online complaint submitted to police or cybercrime channels.
Why it matters:
It creates a record of what happened and what evidence you have.
What to do:
Keep a copy, acknowledgement, diary number, or email trail.
Never share / warning:
Do not exaggerate facts. Report clearly and keep supporting proof.
Entry

Diary number / GD entry

Meaning:
A local police record or diary reference for your submitted information.
Why it matters:
It can help show that you reported the issue on a particular date.
What to do:
Ask for the reference and keep it with your evidence pack.
Never share / warning:
Do not treat it as the same thing as a guaranteed investigation outcome.
Support

Legal aid

Meaning:
Free or assisted legal help available to eligible people through legal services authorities.
Why it matters:
It may help with serious threats, police inaction, or complex legal issues.
What to do:
Check NALSA/DLSA routes or consult a qualified advocate.
Never share / warning:
Do not pay strangers online who promise special police or court action.
Account/platform safety

Terms used for accounts, threats, and misuse.

Platform

Platform report

Meaning:
A report filed inside an app or website about abuse, fraud, or impersonation.
Why it matters:
It may help remove fake profiles, threats, or harmful content.
What to do:
Report in the official app and save report numbers or emails.
Never share / warning:
A platform report does not replace official cybercrime reporting.
Identity

Impersonation

Meaning:
Someone pretends to be you, a known person, a company, or an authority.
Why it matters:
It can be used for money requests, threats, fake profiles, or account fraud.
What to do:
Save profile links, screenshots, messages, and report the account.
Never share / warning:
Do not warn the scammer if it may trigger deletion before evidence is saved.
Threat

Sextortion

Meaning:
Blackmail using intimate images, video calls, private chats, or threats.
Why it matters:
Paying often leads to more demands, not safety.
What to do:
Do not pay. Save evidence, block/report safely, and seek support.
Never share / warning:
Do not send more images, money, passwords, or account access.
Image misuse

Morphed image

Meaning:
An edited or fake image made to look like you or someone you know.
Why it matters:
It may be used for blackmail, harassment, or impersonation.
What to do:
Save screenshots, profile links, timestamps, and report the misuse.
Never share / warning:
Do not pay to stop sharing. Scammers may keep demanding money.
Device

Remote access app

Meaning:
An app that lets another person view or control your phone or computer.
Why it matters:
Scammers can watch OTPs, banking screens, photos, and passwords.
What to do:
Disconnect internet if needed, uninstall the app, and secure accounts from a clean device.
Never share / warning:
Never install remote apps because a caller says they are from support or police.
Screen

Screen sharing

Meaning:
Showing your phone or computer screen live to another person.
Why it matters:
They may see OTPs, bank balances, private chats, or passwords.
What to do:
Stop sharing, close sensitive apps, and review what may have been visible.
Never share / warning:
Do not open banking, UPI, email, or photo apps while sharing your screen.
Evidence

Terms linked to proof and private codes.

Secret

OTP

Meaning:
A one-time password used to verify login, payment, SIM, or account changes.
Why it matters:
Sharing it can let someone access accounts or approve actions.
What to do:
If shared, report quickly and secure the account linked to that OTP.
Never share / warning:
No genuine helper needs your OTP. Do not read it out or forward it.
Card

CVV

Meaning:
The security code printed on a debit or credit card.
Why it matters:
It can help approve online card payments when combined with other details.
What to do:
Block or limit the card if you shared CVV or card details with a scammer.
Never share / warning:
Do not send CVV, card PIN, OTP, or full card photos to anyone.
Proof

Evidence pack

Meaning:
A simple folder or note containing screenshots, IDs, timestamps, and complaint numbers.
Why it matters:
It helps you report clearly without losing details under stress.
What to do:
Save chats, payment proof, profile links, phone numbers, emails, and references.
Never share / warning:
Do not upload evidence to random sites or send private documents to strangers.
Safety line

Understand the words. Act first if money or safety is at risk.

If money, account access, or private images are at risk, use official reporting channels and the relevant Scam Rescue India rescue path first. No page can promise refund, recovery, freeze, FIR registration, or police action.

Next steps

Use the right guide after you understand the term.

Start rescue checkOpen triage -> Know your rightsRead basics -> Prevention HubCheck safety -> Scam AlertsSee alerts -> UPI fraudOpen path -> Account hackedOpen path -> SextortionOpen path -> Fake profileOpen path -> Screen-share fraudOpen path ->
FAQ

Common glossary questions.

I just shared my OTP. What should I do?

Act quickly. Secure the linked account, inform your bank or app through official channels, and report through 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in if money or account access is at risk.

Can Scam Rescue India recover my money?

No. Scam Rescue India cannot recover money, freeze accounts, register FIRs, guarantee refunds, or influence any complaint.

Is this glossary legal advice?

No. This glossary gives plain-language general information only. For legal advice, consult a qualified advocate or legal aid authority.

Should I click a cybercrime.gov.in link sent in a message?

No. Type cybercrime.gov.in yourself in the browser or use a trusted bookmark. Do not trust links sent by strangers.

What proof should I save before deleting chats?

Save screenshots, phone numbers, profile links, UPI IDs, transaction IDs, timestamps, complaint numbers, and platform report numbers before deleting anything.

Scam Rescue India is an independent support resource. It is not a government body, bank, police service, or law firm, and is not affiliated with any government department.

This glossary explains common terms in plain language for general understanding only. It is not legal, financial, or official advice.

We cannot recover money, freeze accounts, register FIRs, guarantee refunds, or influence any complaint. Always follow your bank, police, and official portals.

Always type official addresses yourself. Do not trust links sent by strangers.