Imagine logging into your Yes Bank account one day and seeing a message that makes your heart skip a beat: “Amount held by cyber crime.”
Your money is sitting there, staring back at you, but you cannot touch it. And it just happened after you filed a cybercrime complaint.
You might be thinking:
“Wait, I’m the victim here… why can’t I access my own money?”
It’s a confusing mix of relief and frustration.
Relief because the authorities have frozen the funds, meaning the scammer can’t run away with your money. Frustration because now, your hard-earned money is stuck, and you have no idea how or when you’ll get it back.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Millions of people face this situation every year, and most of them don’t know the right steps to recover their frozen funds.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what “Amount hold by cyber crime” means in Yes Bank, why it happens, and the step-by-step process to get your money back safely and legally.
What is Amount on Hold Yes Bank?
Seeing “Amount on Hold Yes Bank” can instantly trigger panic, but understanding what it truly means can ease a lot of fear.
In most cases, it is NOT your own Bank account that has been frozen.
What usually happens is this:
The cyber cell freezes the receiver’s bank account, such as a Yes Bank account used by the scammer or an intermediary (money mule), after tracing the fraudulent transaction.
Your personal bank account, from which you sent the money, is typically separate and unaffected.
The freeze is applied so that:
- The scammer cannot withdraw or transfer the money.
- The funds remain traceable.
- Evidence is preserved for investigation.
In fact, this is good news for victims.
It means:
- Your money did not disappear.
- It was successfully traced.
- It was stopped before being moved further.
The only complication is that once the amount is frozen, it is treated as legal evidence in a cybercrime case. Because of this, the money is not automatically returned, even though it belongs to you.
The bank cannot release it on request, and the police cannot hand it back immediately. A legal verification process must be completed first to confirm ownership and ensure fair recovery.
So while “Amount on Hold” may sound alarming, it actually means your money is secure, just temporarily locked under the law.
Why Isn’t the Money Returned to Me Immediately?
This is the most painful question victims ask.
From a legal perspective, once money is frozen:
- It is treated as case property.
- The police cannot simply hand it back.
- The bank cannot release it without legal clearance.
There may be situations where:
- Multiple victims sent money to the same account.
- Only part of the total amount is left.
- The court must decide how funds are distributed.
This is why patience and correct steps matter more than anger or panic.
Steps to Release a Hold on Your Yes Bank Account
Seeing “Amount held by cyber crime” in your Yes Bank account can be shocking, but remember, your money is not lost, and it can be released.
You don’t need to panic.
There is a clear, step-by-step process to get your money back:
Step 1: Confirm Where Your Money Is Frozen
Ask the cybercrime cell or Investigating Officer (IO):
- Which bank account is frozen?
- Account number and branch.
- Exact amount on hold.
- FIR or cyber complaint number.
- Investigating Officer’s name and contact details.
This information is essential for court proceedings.
Step 2: Share Your Bank Account Details for Refund
One detail many victims are not told early is this: The cyber cell and the court cannot return money unless you clearly provide your own bank account details.
Since the frozen Yes Bank account usually belongs to the scammer or intermediary, authorities need to know where your refunded amount should be credited once release is approved.
You must submit your bank details in writing to the Investigating Officer and, if required, to the court.
This typically includes:
- Your full name (as per bank records)
- Your bank name and branch
- Your account number
- IFSC code
- A cancelled cheque or the first page of a bank passbook (recommended)
These details help authorities:
- Identify you as the rightful claimant.
- Ensure funds are credited to the correct account.
- Avoid delays once the court orders release.
Make sure the account you provide is active, KYC-compliant, and not under any restriction. Any mismatch or inactive account can delay the refund even after approval.
Step 3: Submit Your Claim as the Victim
You must formally tell the authorities: “This frozen amount belongs to me.”
Submit a written application to the IO stating:
- You are a victim of cyber fraud.
- Date and amount of transfer.
- Your bank account details (where the money was sent from).
- A clear request for the recovery of funds.
Attach:
- Your bank statement
- UTR / transaction ID
- Scam chats, call logs, screenshots
- FIR or cyber complaint acknowledgement
Always keep a copy of everything you submit.
Step 4: Wait for the Investigation Report
The cybercrime authorities first confirm:
- The frozen funds are connected to the fraud.
- That you are the legitimate victim.
- Whether any other victims have a claim on the same amount.
This verification process generally takes two weeks to two months.
If the case moves more slowly than expected, you can:
- Stay in touch with the Investigating Officer through regular follow-ups.
- Submit an RTI application to check the current status of your complaint.
Step 5: Understand the Bank Freeze (Lien)
When the police instruct a bank to freeze an account, the bank places a legal lien on it. This means:
- Withdrawals are completely blocked.
- Transfers or payments are not permitted.
- Funds can be released only after legal approval.
While this action safeguards the money from misuse, it also means that court intervention is usually required to unfreeze the amount.
Step 6: Apply to the Magistrate’s Court for Release of Funds
This is the key legal step in recovering your money.
With the help of a lawyer or through legal aid, you must apply to the Magistrate’s Court requesting permission to release the frozen funds.
Prepare a complete set of documents, including:
- Identity proof (Aadhaar or Passport)
- Relevant bank statements
- Evidence of the fraud (messages, screenshots, call records)
- Copy of the FIR or cyber complaint
- Any communication received from the police
- A written note explaining the fraud and the financial difficulty caused
The court will review these documents to decide whether the money can be returned to you.
Step 7: Attend Court Hearings
You or your lawyer must attend the scheduled hearing.
During the hearing, the judge may:
- Ask questions to understand the case.
- Seek updates or clarification from the police.
- Confirm whether other victims are claiming the same funds.
After examining all facts, the court may:
- Order the release of the money, or
- Direct further investigation if needed
It is important to follow all instructions given by the court.
Step 8: Submit Court Order or Police Clearance to Yes Bank
Once you have a court order or police NOC:
- Take a certified copy to your Yes Bank branch
- Submit it and request the release of your funds
- Yes Bank is legally obliged to follow the order, and typically, the money is credited to your account within a few working days
If the release is delayed, follow up actively with the branch.
It is important to know that the hold is temporary and protective, not a sign that you lost your money.
Yes Bank cannot release funds independently; legal or police clearance is required. And patience is key; the process may take weeks or months, depending on investigations.
Keep all your documents, proofs, and correspondence safe; they make recovery faster and easier.
Conclusion
Seeing “Amount on Hold Yes Bank” can feel like a second shock after being scammed, but it is actually a protective step, not a punishment.
The hold exists to stop the scammer, preserve evidence, and ensure that the rightful owner receives the money through legal means.
Recovery takes time, patience, and proper documentation, but victims are not helpless.
Stay calm, follow the correct steps, and avoid shortcuts.
Your money is frozen, not lost.
If this information helped you, share it with others. One informed step can prevent panic and protect hard-earned savings.
