Criminal · Fraud & Cybercrime

Fraud and Cybercrime Against NRIs: Taking Action in India

Property sold with forged papers, money taken by a trusted relative, investment scams or online fraud — report it, protect your assets and pursue the wrongdoers from abroad.

  • Property fraud and forgery
  • Online and investment scams
  • Misuse of a power of attorney
  • Police complaints and court action

Find a LawyerAll NRI Services

Report a Fraud

Tell us what happened, when and how much is involved.

In short

Act quickly

Report online fraud immediately on the national cybercrime portal or helpline 1930 and tell your bank. For property fraud and forgery, file a police complaint and take civil steps to protect the property. If the police do not register an FIR, the Magistrate can be approached under the BNSS.

Common situations

Common Situations

Frauds that target NRIs.

Property sold behind your back

Forged deeds or impersonation.

POA misuse

An attorney holder acting beyond authority.

Investment scam

Fake schemes or trading apps.

Online banking fraud

Unauthorised transfers.

Relative fraud

Money or property taken by family.

Impersonation

Fake identities or hacked accounts.

Your options

What Can Be Done

Criminal and civil steps often go together.

Report immediately

Cybercrime portal, helpline 1930 and your bank.

Police complaint and FIR

Complaint to the police station or senior officers.

Magistrate complaint

Seeking directions to register and investigate.

Civil injunction

Stopping further sale or transfer of property.

Cancellation of deeds

A civil suit to cancel forged documents.

Revoke the POA

Cancelling a misused power of attorney and informing authorities.

The law

Laws That Commonly Apply

Criminal and IT law.

Criminal law

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — cheating, forgery and criminal breach of trust.
  • Information Technology Act, 2000 — Sections 66C (identity theft) and 66D (cheating by personation using computers).
  • BNSS, 2023 — registration of FIRs and Magistrate’s powers to direct investigation.
  • Some states have dedicated NRI cells in the police.

Civil remedies

  • Specific Relief Act, 1963 — cancellation of instruments and injunctions.
  • Registration authorities can be alerted about suspected fraud.
  • Recovery suits and attachment of assets where possible.
  • Banking complaints for unauthorised transactions.

Step by step

How Action Usually Works

Typical stages

  1. Report and secure accounts immediately.
  2. Collect evidence and documents.
  3. File the police or cybercrime complaint.
  4. Approach the Magistrate if no FIR is registered.
  5. Civil suit and injunction to protect property.
  6. Follow the investigation and trial.

Documents usually needed

  • Title documents and the forged deed (copy)
  • Bank statements and transaction records
  • Messages, emails and screenshots
  • Power of attorney and revocation
  • Passport and travel records (to show absence)
  • Police complaint acknowledgment

From abroad

Handling It While You Live Overseas

Online reporting

The cybercrime portal can be used from abroad.

Power of Attorney

A new, specific POA for someone you trust.

Proof of absence

Passport stamps can show you were abroad on the fraud date.

Check records

Ask for encumbrance and registration searches.

Video statements

Some police and courts accept statements by video.

Act fast

Speed improves the chance of recovery.

Avoid these

Common Mistakes

Common pitfalls

  • Delaying the report.
  • Giving broad, open-ended powers of attorney.
  • Not checking property records regularly.
  • Sharing OTPs or passwords.

How LegalCops can help

  • Explain the routes available for your situation and state
  • Connect you with a lawyer in India from the LegalCops directory
  • Arrange a phone or video consultation across time zones
  • Point you to guides on documents signed abroad

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a cybercrime complaint from abroad?

Yes, on the national cybercrime portal.

My property was sold with forged documents. What now?

File a police complaint and a civil suit to cancel the deed and stop further transfers.

What if the police won’t register an FIR?

Complain to senior officers or approach the Magistrate.

Can I recover the money?

Sometimes — quick reporting and freezing of accounts help.

Related

Related Services and Guides

Illegal possession

Remove unauthorised occupants.
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Title verification

Check before you buy.
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Banking disputes

Accounts, deposits and frauds.
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FIR quashing

Ending a baseless case.
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NRI criminal & cyber crime

All criminal matters.
Explore →

NRI Power of Attorney

Authorising someone in India.
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Fight Back Against Fraud

Speak to a lawyer in India by phone or video about the fraud.
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The information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Applicable laws and procedures may vary depending on the facts, jurisdiction, and circumstances of each matter. Consult a qualified legal professional before taking action. Last reviewed: November 2026.