Cybercops To Lock Fraud-Linked Bank Accounts

“Fraudsters may take control of your bank account under the guise of offering business loans. If such accounts are found to be linked to scams, they will be frozen,” V. Arvind Babu, DCP, Cyber Crimes Police Station, said.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on Tuesday, he explained: “Fraudsters route illegal money obtained through cyber-crimes into bank accounts and purchase cryptocurrency such as USDT. Accounts used for such transactions will be frozen by police.”

He cautioned business establishments to verify the identity of buyers and the source of funds before accepting payments. “If the money is linked to cyber-crime cases, the accounts will be frozen,” he said.

The DCP added that money received through online gaming and betting apps will also be treated as proceeds of cyber fraud. “Such amounts are illegal and may result in freezing of accounts by multiple police authorities,” he said.

Arvind Babu further warned that even receiving money from unknown persons could attract account freezes. Selling bank accounts to fraudsters is also a punishable offence.

“Fraudsters often target students, unemployed youth, drivers and daily wage workers, luring them via Telegram and WhatsApp with promises of easy income. Allowing others to use your account makes you a '‘money mule’', which is a serious criminal offence,” he said.

Violators are legally responsible for all transactions carried out through their accounts, even if not done personally. Cyber criminals use such accounts to route money from scams, betting and other illegal activities.

Providing your account details may lead to arrest, jail and prosecution under the IT Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Once flagged, accounts may affect credit scores, future loans, jobs and passport or visa applications. “Saying ‘I didn’t know’ or ‘I only gave my account’ is not a valid legal defence,” he stressed.

The DCP urged citizens to immediately inform their bank and police if their accounts are misused. “Never give or sell your bank account for commission or easy money,” he said.

What to do if your account is frozen

* Visit your home branch or nearest branch to obtain details of the police authority that issued the freeze.

* If multiple freezes exist, collect details of all concerned authorities.

* Contact the police authority by phone or in person. Submit a request for unfreezing along with supporting documents such as KYC details, bank statements and justification for disputed transactions.

* After following the prescribed SOP, police will issue an unfreeze notice to the bank. Once all notices are received, the bank will unfreeze the account.

Citizens are advised to close unused or dormant accounts to prevent misuse and to report suspicious requests for account details via Cyber Crime Helpline No. 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in