In today’s digital age, cyber frauds have become a serious threat to financial security. Thousands of individuals fall victim to fake trading apps, online investment schemes, phishing links, and social media scams. Many victims believe that once the money is lost, recovery is impossible — but that’s not true.
If you act on time and follow the legal and court process for recovering money from online fraudsters, you can increase your chances of justice and financial recovery.
This article explains every step — from filing a complaint to approaching the right court — and highlights how a cybercrime lawyer can help you through the process.
Step 1: File a Complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal
Your first action should be to report the fraud on the official government platform:
👉 www.cybercrime.gov.in
Follow these steps:
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Click on “Report Other Cybercrime” or “Report Financial Fraud.”
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Fill in accurate details about the transaction, fraud type, and scammer.
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Upload supporting evidence such as screenshots, payment proof, and chat records.
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Submit and note your complaint acknowledgment number for future tracking.
You can also call 1930 (National Cyber Helpline) for immediate help.
Step 2: Register a Complaint or FIR at the Police Station
Next, file a written complaint with your local police station or the nearest cybercrime police unit.
Your complaint should include:
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A clear description of how the fraud occurred.
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Date, time, and mode of payment.
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All transaction and communication proofs.
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A printout of the cybercrime.gov.in acknowledgment receipt.
The police may register an FIR under the following sections:
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IPC Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
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IT Act Section 66C – Identity theft.
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IT Act Section 66D – Cheating by impersonation using computer resources.
This FIR serves as the foundation for legal action and later court proceedings.
Step 3: Seek Legal Assistance from a Cybercrime Lawyer
Before you move toward filing a court case, consult an experienced cybercrime lawyer.
A lawyer helps you:
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Draft a strong legal petition.
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Choose the right type of case (civil, criminal, or consumer).
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Collect, verify, and submit evidence.
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Represent you before police and court authorities.
A well-prepared case not only speeds up recovery but also ensures protection from counter-allegations or technical errors.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Court for Filing Your Case
The type of court you approach depends on the nature of the fraud and the amount of loss.
A. Consumer Court
If you lost money to an e-commerce website, online shopping fraud, or service provider, you can file a case under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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You can claim a refund, compensation, and penalty for mental distress.
B. Civil Court (Money Recovery Suit)
When the fraud involves a private individual or organization, you can file a civil money recovery suit.
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Your lawyer files a plaint (legal claim) demanding refund and damages.
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The court may issue summons, attachments of assets, or freezing of accounts of the fraudster.
C. Criminal Court
If the fraud involves cheating, impersonation, or deliberate deception, your case proceeds under criminal law.
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The Magistrate Court can take cognizance based on your FIR.
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The accused may face criminal trial and, upon conviction, you may receive restitution or court-directed refund.
Step 5: Submit Evidence and Documents to the Court
Your lawyer will organize and submit all the necessary evidence including:
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FIR copy or acknowledgment from cybercrime portal.
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Screenshots of chats, emails, or fake websites.
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Transaction receipts and bank statements.
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Identity proof and affidavit verifying authenticity of information.
A strong evidence file increases your chances of a favorable order and ensures your case is not dismissed for lack of proof.
Step 6: Court Hearing and Investigation Process
Once your petition is filed:
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The court issues a notice to the accused or relevant parties (such as banks).
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The police or cyber cell may submit an investigation report.
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The defense and complainant present arguments and evidence.
Depending on the nature of the case, the court may:
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Direct the accused to refund the money.
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Order the bank to release frozen funds.
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Award compensation for losses or mental distress.
In criminal cases, additional penalties or imprisonment may also be ordered for the fraudster.
Step 7: Enforcement of Court Order
If the court passes an order in your favor, your lawyer will file for execution of decree, ensuring that the refund is processed.
For example:
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The court can attach the bank accounts or property of the fraudster.
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It may direct the bank or platform to transfer the recovered funds.
This step ensures that you receive the actual monetary recovery ordered by the court.
Step 8: Stay Alert Against Fake “Recovery Agents”
After filing your case, beware of individuals or groups who contact you claiming they can recover your money quickly.
These are often secondary frauds that target existing victims.
Never share personal, banking, or case-related details with anyone except your authorized legal representative or investigating officer.
Recovering money from online fraudsters through the court is a legal right available to every citizen of India. The process may take time, but with timely action, proper documentation, and expert legal guidance, justice is achievable.
Always remember — report first, preserve evidence, and act legally. The faster you act, the higher your chances of financial recovery and protection from future frauds.
Disclaimer
This article is written purely for educational and informational purposes. We are not engaged in any solicitation, promotion, or advertisement. The purpose of this blog is to spread awareness about cyber-crime, online scam recovery, and legal procedures in India.
For official assistance, visit www.cybercrime.gov.in or call the National Cyber Helpline 1930.