In 4 easy steps, cyber fraud victims can now get back money

The Haryana Police, in collaboration with the Haryana State Legal Services Authority, have put in place a new mechanism to ensure prompt justice for victims of cyber fraud.

The defrauded amount—once ‘blocked’ (frozen) in the bank account—will now be returned to the victim directly through the Lok Adalat, without the need for a lengthy legal process or a lawyer.

This arrangement has been made especially for cases where the money was blocked immediately after the complaint was filed, but no FIR has been registered yet.

“The biggest problem in cybercrime was that despite the victim’s money being blocked, they had to run to courts to get it back. Understanding this challenge, the police presented a simple and effective model before the government and judiciary. Now, no cyber fraud victim will have to leave their money to fate,” said DGP OP Singh. He appealed to people to immediately report the fraud during the ‘golden hour’ by calling helpline 1930.

Official notification

The police had requested the government and the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) to include applications related to release or de-freezing of cyber fraud money under the category of Public Utility Services in Permanent Lok Adalats. Accepting this request, the Department of Administration of Justice, Haryana Government, issued an official notification formally bringing such cyber applications—where no FIR has been registered—under the jurisdiction of Permanent Lok Adalats. Such applications will now be treated as Pre-Litigation Cases (PLCs), expediting the justice process.

The police, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), has also prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that victims receive the refund without any difficulty.

Refund process: Dial 1930

*Victim should immediately call 1930 or file complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Police to take prompt action and get fraudster’s account blocked

*Victim must then apply to District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) by filling out form requesting refund

*Investigating Officer to assist victim with necessary documents and bank report. After verifying application, DLSA to forward it to Lok Adalat/Permanent Lok Adalat to complete conciliation proceedings and issue refund order within a week

*Once court order is received, bank to release amount