Cybercrime Victims To Get Refunds Online

HYDERABAD: The ministry of home affairs is set to ease cybercrime reporting with the launch of a new Money Restoration Module (MRM) under the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Developed through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the initiative will allow victims of cyber fraud to file refund requests online and track restoration of frozen funds without visiting police stations, banks or government offices.

The facility will be available only to victims who promptly reported fraud through the 1930 Cyber Helpline or the portal and hold a valid 14‑digit complaint acknowledgement number. It applies only in cases where the defrauded amount remains frozen in the fraudster’s account. Funds already withdrawn or transferred cannot be restored.

Officials said refunds up to ₹50,000 frozen in a single account can be processed without an FIR or court order, based on a police report and indemnity bond submitted online. Where more than ₹50,000 is frozen across multiple accounts, with no individual account exceeding that limit, refunds can also be processed without an FIR, subject to police verification. However, if more than ₹50,000 is frozen in a single account, registration of an FIR becomes mandatory before restoration.

Authorities cautioned citizens against middlemen and fraud agents, stressing that the process is free, secure and transparent. Victims facing technical issues can seek help at their nearest police station or district cybercrime cell. Citizens are urged to report fraud immediately by calling 1930 or filing complaints online to freeze and recover funds.

Telangana cybercrime bureau officials told Deccan Chronicle that the module will be rolled out shortly and is already operational in some states, including Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. They said the initiative would provide relief to victims and help curb cybercrime effectively.