How to File Complaint in Court for Cyber Fraud Refund
With the rise of digital payments, online trading, and UPI transactions, cyber frauds have become alarmingly common. Victims of these scams often lose their hard-earned money to fraudsters operating through fake websites, WhatsApp messages, or social media links.
If your money has been stolen through an online scam, you can recover it legally by filing a complaint in court for cyber fraud refund under the Information Technology Act (IT Act, 2000) and Indian Penal Code (IPC).
This guide explains how to file a court complaint for cyber fraud money recovery, step by step.
Step-by-Step Process to File Complaint for Cyber Fraud Refund
Step 1: Register a Cyber Crime Complaint Online
Go to the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at
👉 www.cybercrime.gov.in
You can file a complaint for financial fraud, online scam, or digital payment fraud by providing the following details:
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Name, mobile number, and email address
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Transaction reference ID / UTR number
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Screenshot of chats, payment receipts, and messages
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Fraudster’s contact or account details (if available)
You will receive an Acknowledgment Number (Complaint ID), which acts as the first proof of your case.
Step 2: Report to Your Local Cyber Police Station
After submitting the online complaint, visit your nearest Cyber Crime Police Station in person. Carry the following documents:
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Complaint printout (from the cyber portal)
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ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN)
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Bank transaction statement
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Screenshots of chats or payment confirmations
Request the officer to register an FIR under Section 420 IPC (cheating) and Section 66D of the IT Act (cheating by impersonation using computer resources).
Step 3: Consult a Cyber Crime Lawyer
To move your case toward recovery, it’s essential to hire an experienced cyber crime lawyer.
A lawyer will:
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Draft a legal representation to the Cyber Cell and Bank Nodal Officers
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File an application under CrPC 91/93 for tracing the fraudulent account
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Request a court order to freeze or unfreeze the involved bank accounts
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Represent you during hearings to secure refund or compensation
Step 4: File a Complaint / Petition in Court
If the cyber police or bank does not take timely action, your lawyer can help you file a criminal complaint or private petition before the Judicial Magistrate / Metropolitan Magistrate Court under:
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Section 156(3) CrPC – To direct the police to investigate properly
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Section 91 CrPC – To summon bank records or account details
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Section 66C and 66D IT Act – For identity theft and impersonation fraud
The court can issue orders to the bank or the cyber cell for money tracing and refund once the investigation confirms the fraudulent transaction.
Step 5: Follow Up with Bank and Cyber Cell
After the court order, your lawyer or you can follow up with:
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Bank Nodal Officer (of both sender and receiver banks)
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Cyber Cell Investigation Officer (IO)
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District Cyber Cell or Economic Offence Wing (EOW)
Once the funds are traced and verified as proceeds of crime, banks can credit the refunded amount back to your account.
Legal Provisions Involved
The following laws are applicable in cyber fraud refund cases:
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Section 66C, 66D – IT Act, 2000
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Section 419, 420 – Indian Penal Code (IPC)
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Section 91, 156(3) – Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
Documents Required
To file your complaint, prepare:
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Identity proof (Aadhaar / PAN)
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Bank statement showing fraudulent transaction
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Complaint acknowledgment from cybercrime.gov.in
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Screenshots, emails, or chats related to fraud
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Copy of FIR (if already registered)
Key Tip: File Quickly
Cyber fraud cases are time-sensitive. Banks and cyber cells can only freeze fraudulent accounts within 24–48 hours of the complaint.
If you delay, the fraudster may withdraw or transfer the money, making recovery difficult.
If you’ve lost money in an online scam, act fast and take the legal route.
Filing a complaint in court under the IT Act and IPC through a cyber crime lawyer in your area (Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, or elsewhere) increases your chances of getting your refund.
Proper documentation, timely action, and legal support are the keys to recovering your money successfully.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult a qualified cybercrime lawyer for your specific case.
For reporting cybercrime, visit www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.