In today’s digital world, cyber fraud is on a rapid rise. The Central Government itself conducts regular awareness campaigns to alert citizens about this growing threat. Every day, numerous cases of fake phone calls, fraudulent trading apps, fake links, or scams disguised as investment opportunities are reported. These scams can happen to anyone, including your close acquaintances or even yourself.
If you have been defrauded through a fake phone call, bogus trading app, fake website, or any other fraudulent method, and money was transferred from your account, don’t panic. There are proven legal methods to help you recover your lost money, and in this article, we’ll explain those steps in detail.
Common Scenarios of Cyber Fraud
Many victims receive sudden phone calls promising huge profits from investments or are threatened to transfer money urgently. Similarly, fake trading apps and fraudulent websites lure unsuspecting users to invest, only for the promised returns to never materialize. After transferring the money, the fraudster’s contact number becomes unreachable, leaving the victim helpless.
As experienced criminal lawyers in Pune, we encounter such cases daily. Many of our clients have successfully recovered their lost amounts by following the proper legal process. Now, let’s break down the exact steps to recover your money.
Step 1 – Register a Cyber Crime Complaint
As soon as you realize you’ve been scammed, the first and most reliable step is to register a complaint online at:
👉 https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
Filing a complaint via the website is always more effective than calling, as it keeps a clear record of your case. You will receive a registration number, and your complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate police station.
Once your complaint is filed, you will receive SMS and email notifications regarding the status of your case, including information about any frozen bank accounts related to the fraud.
Step 2 – Visit the Designated Police Station
After your complaint is assigned to a police station, visit the station in person. Speak to the investigating officer about your case and get detailed updates. The police have the power to seize the fraudster’s bank account to prevent further misuse of your money.
However, the police can only freeze the account; they do not have the power to return the funds directly to you.
Step 3 – File a Court Application
To recover your lost money, you must file a legal application in court through a qualified lawyer. Typically, such applications are filed under: CrPC Section 457 or BNSS Section 503.
After filing the application, the court asks the police to submit their report. Arguments are presented by both the complainant (you) and the police. If the court finds that the money indeed belongs to you and was taken by the fraudster, it issues an order directing the police or the bank to return the amount.
Step 4 – Receive the Money & Indemnity Bond
Once the court orders the refund, the bank or police transfers the amount back to you. However, you are required to sign an indemnity bond, confirming that if any other claim arises on the same money in the future, you will be responsible for refunding it to the rightful claimant.
Important Tip: Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Even though there is a legal way to recover your money, it is always safer to prevent cyber fraud in the first place. Always verify unknown calls or investment offers, never click suspicious links, and avoid using untrusted apps.
We Are Here to Help
If you, your family member or any acquaintance is a victim of cyber fraud, we are ready to guide you through every step of the process. At Advocate Ketan Palshikar, Pune, we specialize in helping victims recover lost funds through a thorough legal procedure. Contact us for expert guidance and strong legal representation.
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