Caught in a cyber fraud? Here’s your recovery guide

Aamir Sohail | NT
Bengaluru

Cybercrime is on the rise across India, and Bengaluru is no exception. According to a joint report by the Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management (GIREM) and tech firm Tekion, India lost a staggering ?22,812 crore to cyber fraud in recent years, affecting not just cities but also rural areas. The rise of AI has added a dangerous new dimension to online fraud. The report noted that nearly 80% of phishing emails now involve AI-generated content.

Bengaluru alone recorded 12,356 cybercrime cases in the first eight months of 2024, with reported losses exceeding ?1,242 crore. Overall, the financial damage in the city jumped from ?113 crore in 2022 to ?2,396 crore in 2024. A recent threat assessment by the police revealed that Karnataka saw over 11.46 million malware detections and 1.78 million ransomware attacks in 2024, many powered by AI to bypass traditional defences.

Fraudsters have also begun creating fake apps resembling official government platforms like Parivahan and spoofed bank helplines to trap unsuspecting users. News Trail spoke to Advocate Mishra from Mishra Cyber Lawyers, Advocate Ranganath from Roots Cyber Law Firm, and a police sub-inspector (who wished to remain unnamed) to understand what steps victims should take.

Your step-by-step guide to getting justice and recovering stolen funds:

?First aid – Dial 1930 immediately The first and most urgent step is to call the cybercrime helpline 1930, launched under the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System. This centralised response mechanism is most effective within the first hour of the fraud, often referred to as the ‘golden hour’. Acting quickly significantly improves your chances of recovering lost funds.

?If you cannot call 1930 – Visit cybercrime.gov.in If calling isn’t possible, visit cybercrime.gov.in and register a complaint with the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre. After registration, you will receive a complaint number. You can then send your bank statement showing the fraudulent transaction and proof of address (Aadhaar card or rental agreement) via WhatsApp to the designated number mentioned on the site.

?Register an FIR at your local police station Visit the police station that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. For example, if you live in Koramangala, go to the Koramangala Police Station. Once the FIR is registered, the cybercrime cell will begin coordinating with your bank. Regular follow-up is important to stay updated on the progress.

?Consult a lawyer and move court Engage a cybercrime advocate who can file the necessary application in court. Based on the case, the court may direct the bank to return the defraudedamount. Your lawyer will work with the police to ensure the bank complies with the court’s order.

?Follow up daily with police Consistent follow-up with the police station handling your case ensures that no action is delayed and keeps your case on track.