Many victims who report a complaint about cybercrime. It feel a small sense of relief when they receive a status update stating, “Amount Hold by HDFC Bank.”
But the very next thought is, “When will my money come back?” and that is where the real tension starts.
This blog is to guide you on how to move from “HDFC amount hold” to “received amount refund in my account.”
What Does “Amount Hold by HDFC Bank” Mean?
When you get scammed, and you file a complaint with the cybercrime department, they start tracing where your money went.
Once they find that the money landed in a particular HDFC Bank account (usually in the name of the scammer or a mule), they ask HDFC to put that account on hold.
This means HDFC will freeze that amount. The scammer cannot withdraw it, cannot transfer it, cannot use it in any way.
So “amount held by HDFC Bank” does not mean your money is gone. It means that the money is now blocked and treated as “case money” or “evidence” in a criminal case.
The good part is that the scammer cannot run away with it. The difficult part is that the bank cannot simply transfer it back to you on its own, even if you are clearly the victim.
There is a legal process. Think of it like this: your money is sitting in a locked box inside HDFC, and the key is with the court and the cyber police.
How to Get Scammed Money Back?
You already did the first big thing by filing the complaint. Now you need to complete the remaining steps slowly and properly so that the key turns and the money finally comes back into your own account.
Step 1: Be very Clear About Your Complaint
First, make sure your complaint is proper and complete.
If you have only called the 1930 helpline or just told your bank verbally, that is not enough. You should:
- File a written or online complaint on the national cyber crime portal or at your local cyber police station.
- Mention clearly that the money went to an HDFC Bank account (write full account number, UPI ID, or any details you have).
- Take a copy or screenshot of the complaint and, if possible, an FIR number.
Why is this important?
Because this written complaint and FIR are the base proof that you are a victim and that your money has gone into that HDFC account. Without this, later steps become slow and confusing.
Step 2: Confirm that HDFC Has Really Put the Amount on Hold
Next, you need to confirm, not just “assume,” that HDFC has held the amount in the scammer’s account. For this:
- Visit the cyber police station or call the investigating officer (IO) handling your case.
- Ask them clearly about the amount hold.
- Note down the scammer’s HDFC account number, branch, and the exact amount that is frozen, if they are willing to share.
If possible, also visit your nearest HDFC branch or call HDFC customer care to clear all your doubts.They may not tell you everything, but they can at least confirm that a hold has been placed on that account based on police instructions.
Step 3: Gather all Your Documents in One Place
Now comes a very important part that many victims ignore: proper paperwork.
Make a file (physical or digital) and keep these things inside:
- Copy of your cyber crime complaint and FIR
- Your bank statement showing the debit transaction (where money went from your account to the HDFC account)
- Any WhatsApp chats, SMS, emails, screenshots of fake apps or websites used in the scam
- Any call recordings, if you have them
- Your ID proof like Aadhaar, PAN
- A small written note from your side explaining in simple words how you were cheated, how much you lost, and on which date
This file will be your “weapon” in the police station, bank, as well as court. It shows that you are serious, prepared, and genuine.
Step 4: Give a Written Request to the Police for a Refund of Held amount
Do not rely on only verbal talks. Write a simple application to the investigating officer:
- Mention your name, contact number, FIR number, and date.
- Clearly write the amount you lost and that it went into a specific HDFC Bank account.
- Mention that cyber crime has already held that account and that the money inside includes your stolen amount.
- Request that the held amount should be returned to you as the victim, through proper legal process.
Submit this application in the cyber crime office and take a receiving stamp or acknowledgement. This written request becomes part of the case record and will help when the court looks at refund orders.
Step 5: Get Final Order from the Court, if Required
Now comes the key point. HDFC Bank cannot just send the money back to you because you ask, or even because the police think you are the victim.
In most cases, the court needs to pass an order. That order will say something like, “the money held in the HDFC account, which belongs to the victim, should be released and transferred back.”
To get this done, a lawyer usually helps you file an application in the court for a complaint against HDFC Securities. Do not get scared by the word “court.” Your lawyer will draft it. Your job is to give all the documents and to appear when the court calls.
Step 6: Prepare Well for Court Hearing
When the date of hearing comes:
- Go to court with your lawyer.
- Carry your complete file (complaint, FIR, statements, screenshots, ID proofs).
- Be ready to answer basic questions: how were you cheated, how much was lost, how did the money land in that HDFC account.
The judge’s main concern will be:
“Is this person really a victim? Is there proper proof that this held money belongs to them (fully or partly)?”
If the judge is satisfied, they will pass an order in your favour, either for full amount or sometimes partial amount, depending on how much money is held and whether there are other victims too.
Step 7: Take the Court Order to Bank for Follow Up
Once you get the court order:
- Take a certified copy of the order.
- Visit the concerned HDFC branch (usually the branch where the scammer had the account).
- Give a written request along with the court order, asking HDFC to release the held amount to your account.
- Mention your account details clearly where you want the refund.
HDFC is legally bound to follow the court’s direction. The transfer may take a few days, but you should keep checking your account and, if needed, politely follow up with the branch manager or nodal officer.
Conclusion
So, when you see “amount hold by HDFC Bank” in the context of a cyber fraud case, do not think that it is gone forever. With proper procedures you can still get your money back.
The process is not instant and yes, it can take weeks or even months. But many victims do get their money back when they:
- File a proper complaint,
- Keep all documents ready,
- Give written requests to police and bank,
- And follow through with a court application and hearing.
Your money is sitting in that blocked HDFC account like a light at the end of the tunnel. With patience, the right documents, and the right steps, you can walk towards that light and bring your hard-earned money back to your own account, safely and legally.
