Disclaimer: This blog is only for educational and awareness purposes. We are not doing any advertisement, solicitation work, or engagement. This content is only for information purpose. If you are a victim of cybercrime, please call 1930 or report at the National Cybercrime Portal immediately.
Online gaming has become extremely popular across India, especially among teenagers and young earners. Many people receive money from gaming platforms through tournaments, live streaming, sponsorship, e-sports events, and reward programs.
But in many cases, when a game-related payment is credited to a bank account, the bank automatically applies a lien / hold / freeze due to suspected or unverified transactions.
This blog explains why lien happens, what to do, and how to remove lien if your game payment is legal and genuine.
What Is a Lien on a Bank Account?
A lien means the bank has blocked a specific amount of money due to:
→ Suspicious or unusual incoming transaction
→ Possible cybercrime complaint
→ Automated fraud detection alert
→ High-risk category like gaming, P2P, crypto
→ Mismatch in sender and receiver details
The bank blocks the amount until verification is completed.
Why Do Game Payments Trigger a Lien?
Although gaming income is legal, banks treat such transactions as high risk. Most gaming payments come from:
→ Unknown individuals
→ International platforms
→ Unregistered apps
→ Gaming IDs without proper KYC
→ Third-party wallets
This alerts the bank’s monitoring system.
Common reasons for lien on gaming money:
→ Sender flagged in another cyber complaint
→ Transaction amount too large or unusual
→ Game platform payment not recognized
→ Bank doubts money laundering or fraud risk
→ Cyber Cell request to hold the amount
How to Remove Lien If Game Payment Is Received (Step-by-Step)
1. Contact Your Bank Immediately
Visit your bank branch or call customer support.
Ask them:
→ Reason for lien
→ Who placed the hold (bank or cyber cell)
→ Lien reference ID
Get all details in writing if possible.
2. Collect All Proofs of Game Payment
Prepare the following:
→ Game earning screenshots
→ Game platform payment receipt
→ ID details from gaming account
→ Chat or email confirmation
→ Transaction proof from game wallet
→ GST invoice (if applicable)
These proofs will help you prove that the transaction is genuine.
3. Submit a Written Explanation to the Bank
Provide a clear written letter stating:
→ The money is genuine gaming income
→ You are not involved in any cyber fraud
→ Full details of sender and platform
→ Attach all proofs and your ID
The bank will forward your clarification to their risk team or cyber cell.
4. If Cyber Cell Placed the Lien, Send Them an Application
Write to the Cyber Cell SHO / Investigating Officer:
→ Mention your bank account and lien details
→ Explain nature of game income
→ Attach identity proofs, bank statement, screenshots
→ Request NOC for lien removal
Cyber Cell will verify and respond accordingly.
5. Keep All Documents Ready
Documents required:
→ Aadhaar
→ PAN
→ Freeze/Lien SMS or email
→ Bank statement (showing credit)
→ Game payment evidence
→ Any communication from the gaming platform
6. Cooperate With the Investigation
Bank or Cyber Cell may ask:
→ Source of funds
→ Game ID details
→ Platform KYC
→ Sender information
Respond honestly and clearly. Verification usually takes 3–15 days.
7. Receive NOC / Clearance
If everything is genuine, Cyber Cell or the bank will issue:
→ NOC (No Objection Certificate)
→ Permission to remove lien
Submit this to your bank. The bank will unfreeze the amount.
How to Avoid Lien on Game Payments
→ Use gaming platforms with proper KYC
→ Avoid receiving money from unknown players
→ Keep records of every earning
→ Maintain GST and invoices if earning regularly
→ Ensure your gaming income source is clean
→ Do not mix gaming money with suspicious P2P or crypto transactions
How Criminals Misuse Gaming Platforms (Why Banks Are Strict)
→ Money laundering using game top-ups
→ Fraudsters sending money through game IDs
→ Using gaming wallets to move stolen money
→ Fake gaming apps sending illegal funds
This is why banks freeze or block accounts even when the user is innocent.
What to Do If Bank Refuses to Remove Lien
You may need:
→ Written application
→ Clarification letter
→ Email to nodal officer
→ Cyber Cell complaint
→ Court order (in rare cases)
If required, you can approach a legal expert for:
→ Drafting applications
→ Submitting documents
→ Follow-up with bank
→ Getting a court order for release of funds
If your game payment is legal and documented, removing a lien is easy with proper clarification. Provide all proofs, stay cooperative, and follow the bank’s process. Early action helps ensure smooth unfreezing of funds.
Disclaimer
This blog is only for educational and awareness purposes. We are not doing any advertisement, solicitation work, or engagement. This content is only for information purpose. If you are a victim of cybercrime, please call 1930 or report at the National Cybercrime Portal immediately.