How to File a Complaint Against Online Gaming Fraud in India [2025 Guide]

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Online gaming in India has grown exponentially, fueled by widespread smartphone use and the lockdown-driven digital boom. From fantasy sports to rummy and other skill-based games, millions are engaging daily. However, this surge has also attracted cybercriminals. Fraudsters exploit unsuspecting users through fake apps, rigged games, phishing links, and fraudulent referral schemes, often causing instant financial losses. Many victims are left confused about their legal recourse and recovery options.

This comprehensive guide helps you recognize common online gaming frauds, understand your rights under the IT Act, IPC, and Consumer Protection Act, and follow a structured process to report and escalate complaints effectively. We explain how to document evidence, file complaints on the National Cyber Crime Portal, approach banks or RBI Ombudsman, and engage consumer forums.

When complex cases arise or urgent remedies are required, consulting an experienced cybercrime lawyer in Delhi ensures professional guidance, timely action, and better chances of recovering losses.

What Constitutes Online Gaming Fraud?

Legal vs. Illegal Gaming

1. Legal Gaming (Skill-Based Games)

• Games where the outcome depends predominantly on the skill of the player rather than luck are treated as legal.
  
• Example: Rummy, Poker (in some states), Fantasy Sports (like Dream11, MPL fantasy cricket).
  
• The Supreme Court and several High Courts have held that games of skill are not gambling.
  
• However, state laws matter:
  
  • States like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have stricter bans on online rummy and poker despite being skill games.
    
  • In states like Delhi, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, fantasy sports are largely allowed.
    

(You can link this to: Best Criminal Lawyer in Noida for cases where police action is wrongly initiated under gambling laws.)

2. Illegal Gaming or Betting (Chance-Based Games)

• Games where the outcome is based on chance/luck rather than player skill are treated as gambling.
  
• Example:
  
  • Slot machines, lottery apps, betting on cricket matches, teen-patti with money, or online casinos.
    
• These are generally banned under the Public Gambling Act, 1867, which many states have adopted with modifications.
  
• Running or promoting such apps can lead to criminal prosecution under IPC Sections 420 (cheating), 406 (breach of trust), and 120B (conspiracy).
  

3. The Grey Zone – Ponzi Schemes & Betting Apps

• Many fraudsters disguise betting apps as “gaming” or “investment platforms.”
  
• These fall under:
  
• Courts have repeatedly clarified: “Chance-driven games = gambling = illegal.”
  
  

Common Types of Fraud

1. Fake Gaming Apps

Fraudsters launch apps that look like legitimate gaming platforms, promising cash rewards, daily bonuses, or high returns. Once users deposit money, the app suddenly stops working, blocks withdrawals, or disappears from app stores. This is common with betting-style games and falls under cheating (IPC 420) and IT Act violations.

2. Phishing or OTP Scams

Users are tricked through fake payment links, UPI requests, or SMS/WhatsApp messages claiming to credit winnings. When a gamer clicks the link or shares OTPs, fraudsters steal bank details and siphon money. Such scams are prosecuted under IT Act, 2000 (Sections 66C & 66D) and cyber fraud laws.

3. Rigged Games

Some apps manipulate their algorithms to ensure players lose consistently, while fake “bots” are used to simulate real opponents. Even if players invest money, the outcome is predetermined against them, making it a fraudulent scheme rather than genuine gaming. Victims can file complaints under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and cybercrime provisions.

4. Fake Referral Bonuses

Scammers lure users with “refer and earn” offers where deposits are required to unlock rewards. After depositing, neither the referral bonus nor the promised returns materialize. This falls under unfair trade practices and can also attract charges under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978.

Legal Provisions for Online Gaming Fraud

• IT Act, 2000: Sections 66C (identity theft), 66D (cheating by impersonation) apply to fraudulent online games.
  
• Indian Penal Code:
  
  • Section 415–420 — Cheating and fraud.
    
  • Section 406 — Criminal breach of trust.
    
  • Section 468 / 471 — Forgery.
    
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Users can file complaints for unfair trade practices if the platform targets Indian users.
  
• RBI / Payment & Settlement Systems Act: Platforms accepting UPI/payments must comply with RBI norms.
  (Include internal link to Cybercrime Laws in India)
  

Step-by-Step Complaint Process

1. Document Everything

Before filing a complaint, collect all possible evidence. Take screenshots of:

• Chats with the app or fraudster
  
• UPI/transaction IDs
  
• Payment alerts via SMS/WhatsApp
  
• The app’s profile page or suspicious interface
  

This documentation will strengthen your case when filing with police, banks, or consumer forums.

2. File on Cybercrime Reporting Portal

Go to cybercrime.gov.in → Select “File a Complaint” → “Report Other Cyber Crime.”

• Upload ID proof, bank transaction details, and screenshots
  
• You’ll get a complaint tracking number for follow-up
  

This is the official national cybercrime reporting mechanism.

3. Report to Local Police or Cyber Cell

• Visit your nearest police station or cyber cell in Delhi NCR
  
• File an FIR under IPC (Cheating, 420) and IT Act (Sections 66C, 66D)
  
• If police refuse, escalate to the DCP or file under Section 156(3) CrPC before a Magistrate
  

This ensures the fraud is investigated under proper legal provisions.

4 Escalate to RBI Ombudsman

If your bank refuses to reverse unauthorized debits, file a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman within 30 days. This can help recover fraudulent deductions.

5 File a Consumer Complaint

For losses due to unfair trade practices or fake offers, approach the Consumer Forum. You can claim compensation against the fraudsters or companies running illegal gaming schemes.

Read more: Legal Action Against Online Fraud

Role of Banks & Platforms in Gaming Fraud

Under the RBI’s Zero Liability Policy, customers are safeguarded against unauthorized UPI or digital payment transactions, provided they report the fraud promptly to their bank. This ensures victims of online gaming scams or payment frauds are not unfairly penalized for losses caused by technical breaches or third-party misuse.

Banks are legally required to resolve such complaints within 90 days. Additionally, platforms operating in India must comply with consumer protection laws, meaning delays or refusals in refunding users can be challenged. If the platform or bank fails to act, victims can escalate the matter through the RBI Ombudsman or the Consumer Forum to seek legal redress and compensation.

When to Hire a Cybercrime Lawyer in Delhi

🔹 When police hesitate to file FIR
In many cases, police may refuse to register an FIR, citing “jurisdiction” or calling it a “civil matter.” A cybercrime lawyer ensures the complaint is filed under the correct sections of the IT Act and IPC.

🔹 For drafting precise cybercrime complaints
Poorly drafted complaints often get dismissed or delayed. A lawyer can frame the facts, attach supporting evidence (screenshots, payment proofs), and cite the right laws to strengthen the case.

🔹 To correct misapplied legal provisions in writing
Police sometimes apply incorrect or weaker sections of law, reducing the chances of recovery. A lawyer ensures provisions like Section 66C, 66D of IT Act or Section 420 IPC are properly invoked.

🔹 For escalation via court or consumer forums
If the police or cyber cell doesn’t act, victims may approach a Magistrate under Section 156(3) CrPC or file a consumer forum complaint against fraud apps or payment platforms.

🔹 If urgent remedies like injunctions are needed
In cases where fraud apps are still active or money is at risk of further transfers, lawyers can move the court for injunctions and freezing orders to stop ongoing harm.

Preventive Tips for Safe Gaming

🔹 Never share OTPs or account credentials
Fraudsters often pose as customer support or gaming agents to trick users into sharing OTPs or login details. Remember, no genuine bank or app ever asks for OTPs. Sharing them gives direct access to your money.

🔹 Download apps only from official, vetted sources
Avoid downloading gaming apps from random websites or third-party links. Stick to Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or government-approved portals, as unverified apps may contain malware or phishing scripts.

🔹 Enable UPI limits and monitor activity
Set daily transaction limits on your UPI apps to minimize potential losses. Regularly check SMS/email alerts for suspicious transactions so you can report fraud immediately.

🔹 Avoid unsolicited gaming links
Fraudsters send links on WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media offering “bonus credits” or “quick rewards.” These links often lead to fake apps or phishing sites. Never click or install from such links.

FAQs

Q1. Can I recover lost money from a gaming scam?
If reported quickly, yes. Banks must refund under the Zero Liability rule, and cybercrime complaints may result in reversal or compensation.

Q2. Is online gaming fraud a criminal offense?
Yes. It qualifies as cybercrime under the IT Act and fraud under IPC sections like IPC 420.

Q3. Do I need proof to file a complaint?
Yes. Screenshots, payment IDs, app interface, and account details are critical evidence for any legal path.

Q4. How fast does the RBI Ombudsman act?
Generally within 30 days. If unresolved, escalation is possible after that window.

Q5. Can a gaming app be shut down if they defraud users?
Courts or cyber cells can issue injunctions or direct law enforcement to block access, often involving Delhi cyber cell intervention.

Conclusion

Online gaming fraud in India is rising rapidly, but it is not unavoidable. With the right awareness and timely legal action, victims can secure both relief and justice. If you encounter fraud, it is crucial to document evidence, file complaints on the cybercrime portal, and escalate matters through police, RBI, or consumer forums where required. Swift action and accurate legal filings significantly improve the chances of recovery.

At LegalCrusader, we stand with cybercrime victims across Delhi NCR. Our experienced cybercrime lawyers assist with FIR registrations, cyber cell cases, RBI-related disputes, and consumer claims. With expert guidance, you can enforce your rights and regain control, ensuring fraudsters are held accountable.