Mumbai's dedicated cybercrime helpline, 1930, has achieved a remarkable feat in the fight against digital fraud. In the year 2025 alone, the helpline's swift actions led to the blocking or recovery of approximately Rs 202 crore that was targeted by online scammers. This significant sum underscores the growing threat of cybercrime and the critical role of prompt reporting by victims.
How the 1930 Helpline Operates to Freeze Funds
Located in Bandra West, the call centre is manned by over three dozen trained police personnel working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The process is designed for speed. As soon as a complaint about a financial cyber fraud is received on the helpline, it is immediately registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP). A request is then sent without delay to the relevant bank or payment gateway to freeze the implicated accounts, stopping further transfer of the stolen money.
This coordinated effort with nodal officers from banks and financial platforms is key to their success. Lakhmi Gautam, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), emphasized the importance of the "golden hour." He stated that immediate reporting vastly increases the chances of recovering the maximum amount of cheated money. The helpline received a staggering 8.7 lakh calls from Mumbaikars in 2025, demonstrating both the scale of the problem and the public's growing awareness of this resource.
Track Record of Success and Major Cases
The 2025 achievement is part of a larger success story. Since its integration as part of the Government of India's Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) framework, the helpline has helped Mumbai residents save over Rs 390 crore from 2022 onwards. In total, the centre has fielded 15.6 lakh calls between 2022 and 2025.
Real-world cases highlight its effectiveness. In one major incident, fraudsters using phishing techniques siphoned off Rs 11.3 crore from a South Mumbai businessman's company. A timely report to the 1930 helpline resulted in saving Rs 11.19 crore. In another striking case, a doctor from Bandra who was subjected to a "digital arrest" scam and lost Rs 1.29 crore managed to get back 100% of his money thanks to the helpline's intervention.
Structure and Future of Cybercrime Fighting
The NCCRP system, operational across India since August 30, 2019, is the backbone of this effort. In Mumbai, a team led by Sub-Inspector Mangesh Bhor oversees the 1930 helpline activities. The team has now expanded to around 50 staff members to handle the increasing volume of complaints.
The final step in recovering the blocked funds involves a court order, after which the amount is returned to the victim. The police's clear message to citizens is unwavering: if you become a victim of any financial digital fraud, immediately call 1930. The helpline stands as a crucial frontline defence in protecting the hard-earned money of citizens in India's financial capital.
