Immediate Actions When Your Phone is Lost or Stolen in India

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Step 1: Block Your SIM Card (First Priority)

Contact your mobile operator immediately:

  • Airtel: 98100-98100
  • Jio: 199
  • VI (Vodafone-Idea): 199
  • BSNL: 1907

Request immediate deactivation of your SIM to prevent unauthorized calls and SMS OTPs

Step 2: Secure Your UPI and Payment Apps

PhonePe

  1. Visit PhonePe website on a computer/other device
  2. Use “Report Fraud/Lost Phone” option
  3. Call PhonePe support at 080-68727374
  4. Login to PhonePe web and deregister your lost device

Google Pay

  1. Visit Google Pay website
  2. Login to your Google Account
  3. Remove your lost phone from trusted devices
  4. Revoke access to Google Pay on the lost device
  5. Report to GPay support through another device

Other UPI Apps

  • Immediately log into web versions of all UPI apps you use
  • Remove device access and permissions
  • Contact respective customer support

Step 3: Protect Your Google Account

Visit google.com/android/find and log in to your Google Account then select your lost phone Use these options:

  • Play Sound (if nearby)
  • Lock Device (most important)
  • Erase Device (last resort)

Change your Google Account password and remove account access from the lost device (You might want to do it if there are no chances of recovering your phone)

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Step 4: Secure Your Bank Accounts

Call your bank’s customer care:

  • SBI: 1800 425 3800
  • HDFC: 1800 202 6161
  • ICICI: 1800 200 3344

If bank not list here go to their official website to find phone number or visit nearby branch in person with your ID

Request:

  • Block mobile banking
  • Disable UPI services
  • Block net banking (temporary)
  • New debit card (if stored on phone)

Step 5: File a Police Complaint

Visit nearest police station and file an FIR (First Information Report) also get a copy of the FIR and note down:

  • FIR number
  • Officer’s name
  • Station details

Step 6: Additional Security Measures

Change passwords for:

  • Email accounts
  • Social media
  • Cloud storage
  • Other important apps

Log out of all sessions on:

  • WhatsApp
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Other social media

Step 7: Document Everything

Keep records of:

  • FIR copy
  • Communication with banks
  • Communication with mobile operator
  • All reference numbers
  • Take screenshots of Find My Device location

Preventive Measures for the Future

Always enable:

  • Screen lock (pattern/PIN/fingerprint)
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Find My Device

Regularly backup:

  • Photos
  • Documents
  • Contacts

Note down:

  • IMEI number
  • Phone model details
  • Important help desk numbers

Important Contact Numbers

  • Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
  • Police Emergency: 110
  • RBI Banking Fraud: 14440

Remember: Time is crucial. The faster you act, the better chances of securing your digital assets and preventing fraud.

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