Aminuddīn, a private-sector employee residing in Teli Bagh’s Ramzan Nagar, saw INR 1.5 lakh evaporate from his bank account over a four-week period before any legal action was taken.
On July 1, notifications alerted Aminuddīn to two unauthorised withdrawals of INR 97,000, followed by INR 3,000. Alarmed, he promptly visited his bank to request a freeze on the account. But instead of action, he was redirected to a South City police post and later to PGI police station, then to the Cyber Crime Cell in Hazratganj. His complaint was shunted again—first back to PGI—without progress. Meanwhile, on July 2, INR 40,790 was taken, followed by another INR 9,999 withdrawal the same day.
Attempts to get the bank to update his mobile contact details and freeze debits proved ineffective. The mobile number change was implemented, yet funds kept vanishing. Aminuddīn continued his circuit of institutions, eventually filing a written complaint at the PGI station. Shockingly, it was only on September 8 that the authorities registered an FIR, more than two months after the first theft.
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Red Tape Eclipses Cybercrime Response
Aminuddīn’s experience reflects broader concerns about victim neglect and procedural gridlock in financial fraud cases. With banks and law enforcement consistently pointing fingers, duped customers face repeated delays—even as cyber thieves quietly continue their work. The lack of immediate freezing or investigation allows fraudsters to siphon more funds unchecked.
Lessons for Cybercrime Victims and Institutions
This case underscores the necessity for faster coordination between banks and cybercrime units, especially in fraud involving digital transactions. System-wide protocols—such as immediate account freezing and a streamlined FIR registration process—are vital. Victims, particularly those not digitally savvy, are left vulnerable without transparent and responsive systems.