If you are in Saudi Arabia and lost money to a fraud traced to India, act within hours. Report it on the national cyber crime portal or helpline 1930, using an Indian mobile number if you have one, and inform your Indian bank. A lawyer in India can then file a police complaint for cheating under section 318 of the BNS (formerly section 420 IPC) and the IT Act, ask for the receiving accounts to be frozen and later apply for release of frozen money.
- Document route
- Saudi notary (including Najiz e-notarisation), then apostille from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or signing at the Indian mission
- Time difference
- IST is 2h30 ahead of Saudi time all year (no daylight saving)
- Portal
- cybercrime.gov.in
- Helpline
- 1930, from an Indian phone
Cyber & Investment Fraud from Saudi Arabia: how it works
We start by building a clear record: transaction references, the account numbers that received the money, screenshots of chats and the phone numbers used. If the transfer went from a Saudi bank or exchange house to an Indian account, request the remittance advice from them too. We then file a written complaint with the cyber police station having jurisdiction, attaching a signed authority from you. An affidavit notarised in Saudi Arabia and apostilled can support the complaint where the police need a sworn statement.
Police can direct banks to put a hold on funds in the receiving accounts. Recovery usually happens later through an application to the magistrate for release of frozen amounts to the victim, which needs proof that the money is yours. We monitor the investigation, press for the FIR to be registered where the police delay, and approach the High Court if needed. Be cautious of anyone offering to recover money for a fee; recovery scams follow the original fraud closely.
What clients in Saudi Arabia should know
- Saudi authorities can act against fraudsters inside the Kingdom, but where the money landed in Indian accounts, the Indian police and courts are the route to freezing and recovery.
- Keep Saudi bank statements and exchange receipts, because the magistrate will want to see the money trail from your account to the frozen account.
- Fraudulent job offers for Saudi employers should also be reported to the Indian mission and the Protector of Emigrants, which tracks illegal recruiters.
Step by step from Saudi Arabia
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Saudi Arabia, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Saudi Arabia
Saudi notary (including Najiz e-notarisation), then apostille from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or signing at the Indian mission
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Saudi Arabia where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Saudi Arabia. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Cyber & Investment Fraud, or see all services for clients in Saudi Arabia and the Disputes & Enforcement practice area.
Questions from clients in Saudi Arabia
I do not have an Indian mobile number. Can I still report?
Yes. A lawyer in India can file a written complaint with the cyber police for you, supported by your signed authority and documents sent from Saudi Arabia.
How much of my money can be recovered?
Only what remains in the accounts when they are frozen. That is why reporting within the first hours matters most.
Do I need to travel to India to get the frozen money released?
Usually not. The application can be filed through your lawyer, with your affidavit and identity documents apostilled in Saudi Arabia.