Imagine you sent Rs 50,000 to invest in what you thought was a real trading app. The man promised you quick returns. Days later, you realise it was all a lie.
You lost your money.
Then you file your complaint and later get a message, “amount hold by cyber crime.” Your money is sitting right there in that frozen account, but you cannot touch it.
You feel relief that the criminal is caught, but confusion about how you will get your money back.
This blog explains exactly what happens next and what steps you need to take to bring that money back.
Why is the Amount Hold by Cyber Crime?
What happens after cyber crime complaint? When you report a cyber fraud to the police or cybercrime cell, they start an investigation.
They trace where the stolen money went. They find the scammer’s bank account or multiple accounts where your money landed.
The cyber cell then freezes these accounts so the criminal cannot run away with the cash.
This is good news because your money is now safe from disappearing. However, it is also locked up because it is now considered “evidence” in the crime case.
The problem is simple: your money is there, but it is not automatically returned to you. Then a question arises, does cyber crime refund money?
Yes, but you have to follow a legal process to prove that this money belongs to you and then ask the court to release it back to your account.
How to Get Scammed Money Back?
This is the part that frustrates many victims. You might think, “The police have proof I am the victim, so why do I not get my money back immediately?”
The answer involves how the Indian legal system works. The frozen account is not just your money anymore in the eyes of the law.
If the scammer got Rs 10 lakhs from five different victims and only Rs 5 lakhs is left in the account, then all five victims have a claim on that Rs 5 lakhs.
This creates a legal problem. The court has to decide who gets the money first and in what order.
Also, the money is considered evidence in a criminal case against the scammer, so it cannot be released until the investigation is complete or the court specifically orders it.
This is why you need to follow proper legal steps and not just wait around hoping the money will appear in your account one day.
Step 1: Get Complete Details of the Frozen Amount
Visit the cyber crime police station handling your case and request:
- Bank name and branch
- Frozen account number
- Exact amount on hold
- Written confirmation that the account is frozen
- Name and contact number of the Investigating Officer (IO)
This information is essential for court proceedings.
Step 2: Submit a Written Claim to the Police
Give a formal written application to the Investigating Officer stating:
- You are the victim of cyber fraud
- The frozen amount belongs to you
- Details of how and when the money was transferred
- A clear request to help recover your money
Attach copies of:
- Bank statement showing the transaction
- Chats/emails with the scammer
- Screenshots of fake apps or websites
- FIR number and acknowledgement
Always keep a copy of everything you submit.
Step 3: Wait for the Investigation Report
The cyber cell must verify:
- That the frozen money is fraud-related
- That you are a genuine victim
- Whether there are multiple claimants
This usually takes 2 weeks to 2 months.
If the process is delayed unnecessarily, you may:
- Follow up regularly with the IO
- File an RTI to know the status of your case
Step 4: Understand the Bank Hold (Lien)
Once police freeze an account, the bank applies a lien:
- No withdrawal allowed
- No transfer allowed
- Release is possible only with a court order
This step protects victims but also makes court involvement mandatory.
Step 5: File an Application in Magistrate’s Court
This is the most important step to get your money back.
With the help of a lawyer (or legal aid), file an application before the Magistrate’s Court requesting the release of the frozen amount.
Prepare a complete document file:
- ID proof (Aadhaar / Passport)
- Bank statements
- Proof of fraud (messages, screenshots)
- FIR copy
- Police correspondence
- Written explanation of the fraud and financial hardship
The court will examine whether the money should be returned to you.
Step 6: Attend Court Hearings
You must attend the hearing on the given date.
The judge may:
- Ask questions
- Seek clarification from the police
- Ask if other victims are involved
Based on facts and documents, the court will pass an order:
- Releasing the amount to you, or
- Asking for further investigation
Follow the court’s directions carefully.
Step 7: Submit the Court Order to the Bank
If the order is in your favour:
- Take a certified copy of the order
- Submit it to the concerned bank branch
- Meet the bank manager and request the release of funds
Banks are legally bound to follow court orders.
Typically, the money is credited within a few working days.
If delayed, follow up actively.
Is a Court Hearing Always Mandatory?
Usually yes, but not in every case.
When an amount is marked as “hold by cyber crime,” a Magistrate Court order is almost always required to release the money.
However, the victim does not always have to personally attend the court hearing.
You may not need to attend court when there is a:
- Single victim case:
If only one victim is involved and the frozen amount clearly belongs to you, the court may allow release through your lawyer without calling you repeatedly. - Small amount, quick recovery:
If the amount is small, the money was frozen early, and police confirm there are no other claimants, the judge may pass an order based on documents alone. - Police recommend release:
In rare cases, police themselves request the court to release the money after confirming you are the only victim. The court may approve it without summoning you. - Personal hardship:
Courts often exempt personal appearance for elderly victims, out-of-station victims, or those with medical or genuine personal difficulties.
Here, it is important to note that even in these cases, a court order is still necessary. The difference is that you may not be required to be physically present.
Conclusion
“Amount held by cyber crime” sounds like a very serious line, but it is reassuring at the same time because your money is in safe hands now.
You were not wrong, but the scammer was. It may take time and patience, but you are not powerless.
You can ask questions, demand copies of documents, and follow legal steps with the help of a lawyer or a trusted person.
The most important thing is not to panic or ignore the problem. Running away or staying silent can make things worse.
Instead, stay calm, visit your bank, talk to the cyber cell, and follow the simple steps explained in this blog.
Share this knowledge with your parents, spouse, and friends, because one right step taken in time can save someone’s full life savings.
