Money lost to online fraud? Get your stuck funds back from the comfort of your home—here’s how..

Online scams in India are constantly on the rise, causing people to lose lakhs of rupees due to cyber fraud. The government already has a dedicated platform—the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)—to report such incidents. Victims of fraud can file reports here and seek assistance in freezing the fraudulent transactions.

Now, the government has launched another new platform called the Money Restoration Module (MRM). This benefits victims whose funds have been frozen in the scammer's or beneficiary's bank account, enabling them to recover the money through the legal process. It has been launched by the Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The objective is to help cyber fraud victims recover their trapped funds. A key advantage is that the entire process can be completed online; you do not need to make multiple visits to banks or government offices to submit a refund request. However, please note that the MRM portal does not directly guarantee a refund. To claim a refund, it is essential that the funds have first been traced and frozen in the scammer's or beneficiary's account.

How to apply for a refund
As soon as you realize you have been a victim of cyber fraud, call the cyber helpline number 1930 without delay. You can also file a complaint online via the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). The sooner you report the incident, the higher the likelihood that the funds can be frozen before being transferred to other accounts. After filing the complaint, verify whether the money has been traced and frozen. You can apply for a refund only if the relevant amount has been placed on hold in the scammer's or beneficiary's bank account based on your complaint.

Next, visit the MRM portal and click on the "Raise Refund Request" option. Enter your 14-digit NCRP Acknowledgement Number for the cybercrime complaint here. You will then receive an OTP on your mobile number, which you must use to complete the verification process.

Enter Bank Account Details Accurately
After logging in, review the details regarding the complaint and refund displayed on the portal. Next, enter your bank account number and other required information. Please note that the refund will be credited to this specific account; ensure the details are entered correctly to avoid any delays. Afterward, upload a copy of your PAN card. If you possess a court order related to the matter, you may upload it here as well.

Upon submission of the form, the portal will generate a 14-digit Request ID or Unique Request Number (URN). Keep this number safe, as it will allow you to track the status of your refund. However, as part of the procedure, you may also be required to submit an indemnity bond to the police. Subsequently, the relevant agencies, banks, and other institutions will process your refund request in accordance with legal regulations.

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