Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter (X) have made communication easy, but they have also opened the door to various frauds and scams. From fake profiles to phishing links and online investment frauds, cybercriminals use different tactics to deceive people. If you are a victim, it is important to know how to take legal action for social media fraud to protect your rights and prevent further damage.
Common Types of Social Media Frauds
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Phishing Attacks – Fraudulent links asking for login or bank details.
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Fake Investment Schemes – Scammers promising high returns on cryptocurrency or stock investments.
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Impersonation – Fraudsters using fake accounts with your photos or name.
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Sextortion – Threats to release private photos or videos unless money is paid.
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Job Scams – Fake recruiters offering jobs in exchange for deposits.
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Online Shopping Fraud – Fake sellers taking payment without delivering products.
Step 1: Collect and Preserve Evidence
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Take screenshots of messages, profiles, and transactions.
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Save emails, chats, or phone call recordings related to the fraud.
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Note down transaction IDs and bank/payment details if money is involved.
This evidence is crucial for police and court proceedings.
Step 2: Report the Fraud to the Social Media Platform
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Use the “Report” option available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), or WhatsApp.
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Block the fraudster immediately.
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Many platforms disable fraudulent accounts within 24–48 hours once reported.
Step 3: File a Complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal
Visit 👉 www.cybercrime.gov.in
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Select the category “Social Media Related Fraud”.
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Provide details of the incident and upload your evidence.
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Save the acknowledgment number for tracking your case.
Step 4: Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline – 1930
If the fraud involves financial loss, call 1930 immediately to stop or trace the transaction. Quick reporting increases the chances of recovering your money.
Step 5: Lodge an FIR with the Police
If the fraud is serious (financial fraud, identity theft, extortion, or obscene content), lodge an FIR. Some applicable laws include:
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IT Act, 2000
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Section 66C – Identity theft
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Section 66D – Cheating by impersonation
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Section 67 – Publishing/transmitting obscene material
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IPC (Indian Penal Code)
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Section 419 – Impersonation
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Section 420 – Cheating and fraud
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Section 509 – Outraging the modesty of a woman
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Step 6: Seek Court Intervention if Needed
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If the police do not register your FIR, you can apply under Section 156(3) CrPC for directions.
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File a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution before the High Court if urgent relief is needed.
Role of a Cyber Crime Advocate
A professional cyber crime lawyer can assist you in:
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Drafting a strong cyber complaint and FIR.
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Communicating with social media companies for account recovery or content removal.
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Filing court cases for financial recovery and injunction orders.
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Providing legal protection against further misuse of your identity or data.
Safety Tips to Prevent Social Media Fraud
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
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Do not click on unknown links.
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Verify profiles before sending money or sharing details.
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Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information publicly.
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Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts.
Social media fraud can cause financial, emotional, and reputational harm. But you can fight back by taking the right steps: collecting evidence, reporting to the platform, filing a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in, calling 1930, lodging an FIR, and seeking legal help from a cyber crime advocate. Quick action and awareness are the keys to protecting yourself.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. We are not doing any advertisement or solicitation work. If you are a victim of cyber crime, immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), and file a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in.