With the rise of online transactions, digital fraud cases such as “digital arrest scams” have become alarmingly common. In such scams, unsuspecting victims are coerced into transferring money to fraudsters, often resulting in significant financial losses. Here’s what you need to know about recovering your money and filing a complaint in case you fall prey to these scams.
What is a Digital Arrest Scam?
A digital arrest scam involves fraudsters tricking victims into willingly transferring money under false pretenses. The victims, unaware of the deceit, often lose large sums of money before realizing they have been defrauded. The scam’s name stems from the sense of being trapped or manipulated digitally.
Steps to Recover Money
Recovering money lost to such scams can be difficult, but prompt action can improve your chances significantly. Here’s what you should do:
- Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930): This is the first and most critical step. Reporting the scam immediately increases the likelihood of freezing the transaction and recovering the funds.
- Lodge a Complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/ to file a detailed complaint.
- Report the Scam to Your Local Police Station: Filing an FIR at the nearest police station adds legal weight to your case.
- Inform Your Bank Immediately: Contact your bank’s helpline or visit the branch to alert them about the fraudulent transaction. They can assist in freezing the recipient’s account to prevent fund withdrawals.
Why Timely Action is Crucial
Filing a complaint within 24-28 hours of the scam is crucial for recovering your money. Once notified, authorities can communicate with the bank to block the transaction and freeze the fraudster’s account.
By following these steps, you can minimize your losses and enhance the likelihood of recovering your hard-earned money.
