What is Cyber Crime and Online Scam?
Cyber crime refers to unlawful activities conducted through computers, mobiles, or the internet. These include hacking, UPI fraud, online scams, identity theft, crypto frauds, trading scams, job scams, phishing, extortion, and many other digital offences. Online scams happen when fraudsters trick victims into sending money or sharing confidential details through fake calls, links, apps, threats, or manipulation. In today’s digital world, cybercrime is increasing rapidly, which makes online safety more important than ever.
Trending Cyber Crimes in India
• UPI fraud and fake payment messages
• Investment and trading scam apps
• Work-from-home scam and part-time earning scam
• Loan app blackmail and extortion
• Fake customer care fraud
• Digital arrest scam pretending to be police or CBI
• Social media account hacking and online impersonation
• Crypto and P2P transaction-related bank freezes
• Online shopping fraud and fake website scams
• SIM swap and OTP theft
How Cyber Criminals Target Victims
• Fake calls pretending to be bank, police, CBI, courier or cyber cell
• Creating urgency to scare or confuse victims
• Sending phishing links, QR codes, or cloned apps
• Asking for OTP, PIN, or remote access apps
• Social engineering using threats or emotional pressure
Signs That You Are Facing an Online Scam
• Someone asking for banking details or OTP
• Urgent payment request
• Message claiming account freeze
• Threats of FIR, arrest, or legal action
• Asking to install remote access apps
• Asking to verify identity through unknown links
Digital Arrest Scam: How It Works and How to Stay Safe
• Fraudsters pose as police, CBI, or cyber cell
• They accuse victim of fake cases like parcel crime or money laundering
• They force the victim to stay on video call
• They demand money for “settlement” or “verification”
Real police never conduct arrests on calls. Never send money. Disconnect immediately.
Safety Tips by Cyber Crime Lawyers (Online)
• Never share OTP, PIN, or passwords
• Use two-factor authentication
• Do not click on unknown links or QR codes
• Avoid remote access apps like AnyDesk, QuickSupport
• Use strong and unique passwords
• Keep banking apps updated
• Cross-verify unknown calls and messages
• Never panic during unknown calls
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Avoid online deals from unknown profiles
• Do not respond to investment offers promising high returns
What To Do If an Online Scam Happens
• Inform your bank immediately and block transactions
• Call 1930 within minutes for reversal chances
• File complaint on National Cyber Crime Portal
• Save screenshots, chats, call recordings, UTR numbers
• Visit cyber police station if required
• Prepare a clear timeline of the incident
• Do not delete any evidence
• Take legal guidance for further action
How To Recover Money Lost in Online Fraud
• Early reporting increases recovery chances
• Cyber police can freeze recipient accounts
• Bank may reverse funds if still in the system
• Provide complete documents and UTR details
• File written application at cyber police station
• Follow up until investigation status is updated
• If required, approach court for stronger orders
How to Get Court Order for Scam Money Recovery
• When cyber police denies NOC
• When money is stuck in recipient’s account
• When funds are already transferred further
• When banks request judicial direction
A court can instruct banks to freeze, seize, or return disputed funds depending on the investigation.
Why Bank Accounts Get Frozen After Cyber Complaints
• Suspicious incoming transactions
• Funds from compromised accounts
• P2P or crypto-linked payments
• High-value transactions from unknown sources
• Complaint filed in another state against the payer or receiver
Application Format to Cyber Cell for Unfreeze / NOC
Subject: Request for NOC to Unfreeze My Bank Account
To,
The Cyber Crime Police Station,
[City Name]
I, [Your Name], request an NOC to unfreeze my bank account which has been frozen due to a cyber complaint. I am not involved in any fraudulent activity and I am ready to cooperate with the investigation. Kindly verify my documents and issue the NOC.
Attachments:
Aadhaar
PAN
Bank Statement
Freeze Notice
Transaction Proof
Name
Mobile
Address
Signature
Application Format to Bank for Lien / Freeze Removal
Subject: Request to Remove Lien / Unfreeze Bank Account
To,
The Branch Manager,
[Bank Name]
I request removal of the lien/freeze placed on my bank account due to a cyber complaint. I have attached supporting documents for your verification. Kindly unfreeze the account at the earliest as the funds are required for personal use.
Name
Account Number
Mobile
Signature
DISCLAIMER
This blog is only for public awareness and educational purposes. It is not legal advice, not an advertisement, and not a solicitation for any legal service. Cybercrime procedures and outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
If you are a victim of cybercrime, immediately call 1930 or file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).