When cybercrime complaints are registered, banks often impose a lien (hold) on accounts based on the instructions of the Cyber Cell Police. A lien means the account holder cannot withdraw or transfer funds until the matter is resolved. While this step is intended to secure money involved in suspected fraud, it also causes significant hardship for individuals and businesses whose accounts were frozen even if they were not directly involved in the fraud.
-
Why banks impose lien in cybercrime cases.
-
Legal provisions related to lien.
-
Step-by-step process to remove lien.
-
A sample application format to request lien removal.
-
Safety tips to avoid future problems.
Why Do Banks Impose Lien in Cybercrime Cases?
Your account may be marked with a lien if:
-
Funds traced from online frauds (phishing, fake shopping sites, job scams, crypto trades, or gaming fraud) are found in your account.
-
FIR is registered under Section 420 IPC (cheating) or Sections 66C & 66D IT Act (identity theft and cheating by impersonation).
-
Police instruct the bank under Section 102 CrPC to freeze or seize accounts.
-
Complaints are filed by victims mentioning your account number as the receiving account.
Legal Provisions for Lien in Cybercrime
-
Section 102 of CrPC – Police have the power to seize property, including bank accounts.
-
Section 451/457 CrPC – Courts can order release of seized property/accounts upon application.
-
Cyber Cell NOC – Investigating Officer can issue a “No Objection Certificate” allowing the bank to lift the lien.
Process to Remove Lien in Cybercrime Cases
Step 1: Collect Documents
Prepare supporting evidence:
-
Account statement or bank passbook.
-
Complaint copy/FIR details.
-
Proof of genuine transaction (invoice, bill, receipt, email/chat communication).
-
ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.).
Step 2: Draft an Application to Cyber Cell
-
Write a formal application to the Investigating Officer/SHO Cyber Cell.
-
State clearly that you are not involved in the fraud.
-
Attach all supporting documents.
-
Request issuance of NOC for lien removal.
Step 3: Submit NOC to Bank
-
Once Cyber Cell issues the certificate, submit it to your bank branch.
-
The bank will verify and remove the lien.
Step 4: Approach Court (if Cyber Cell delays)
-
If Cyber Cell does not respond, file a petition under CrPC 451/457 before the jurisdictional Magistrate/Sessions Court.
-
Court can direct the bank to release your account.
Sample Application for Lien Removal
To,
The Investigating Officer / SHO
Cyber Crime Police Station
[City/Location]
Subject: Request for Removal of Lien from Bank Account
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], maintain a bank account no. [Account Number] with [Bank Name & Branch]. My account has been marked with a lien following directions from your office in connection with a cybercrime investigation.
I respectfully submit that I am not involved in any fraudulent or unlawful activity. The transaction in question (Rs. [Amount]) is genuine, and I enclose supporting documents such as account statements, receipts, and identity proofs for your review.
Due to this lien, I am unable to operate my account and facing severe financial difficulties. I therefore request your office to kindly verify my documents and issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the concerned bank so that the lien may be removed at the earliest.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Full Name]
[Address]
[Mobile No.]
[Email ID]
Safety Tips to Avoid Lien on Bank Accounts
-
Do not accept funds from unknown persons.
-
Avoid using personal/current accounts for crypto or gaming transactions.
-
Keep proof of every transaction (invoices, GST filings, agreements).
-
Report suspicious credits immediately to your bank and cyber cell.
-
If you receive notice of lien, consult a cybercrime advocate immediately.
A lien on your account in cybercrime cases is not permanent — it is a precautionary step during investigations. By filing an application with Cyber Cell along with proof of genuine transactions, you can obtain an NOC for the bank to remove the lien. If authorities delay, you can seek relief from the court under CrPC provisions. Taking proactive steps and seeking legal help ensures faster resolution.
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, professional consultation, or solicitation. For lien removal or account unfreezing, individuals should immediately contact the cybercrime helpline 1930, file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.