When it comes to cyber fraud, every second counts. Experts call the first one hour after a scam the ‘golden hour’, because your chances of recovering stolen money drop sharply once this window closes. The moment a victim reports the fraud to helpline 1930 or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, authorities can immediately trace the transaction and freeze the scammer’s account before the money is moved across multiple layers.

Recent cases prove the impact of quick reporting. Preeti, wife of BJP MP K Sudhakar, lost ₹14 lakh in a digital-arrest scam but recovered the entire amount because she complained within minutes. Similarly, a Mumbai woman who lost ₹93,000 while booking a hotel got her money back as she and her husband alerted the bank and police immediately.

Cyber experts warn that due to fast UPI and instant payments, money now moves within seconds, shrinking the golden hour dramatically. Yet, most victims delay reporting due to fear and confusion, making recovery nearly impossible. Registering a complaint instantly helps place a lien on every account the money touches, increasing the likelihood of getting the funds back.