Rajasthan Police have processed 8,016 cyber fraud applications through an online Money Restoration Module and directed banks to refund ₹5.67 crore to affected account holders. The system aims to simplify recovery of money frozen after cybercrime complaints and reduce delays caused by paperwork.
How Does the Online Refund System Work?
The Money Restoration Module allows cyber fraud victims to seek refunds through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. According to Additional Director General of Police, Cyber Crime, V.K. Singh, the system provides a time-bound and transparent process for returning money already frozen by banks or law enforcement agencies.
The initiative involves Rajasthan Police’s Cyber Branch and Rajasthan Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, R4C, and is intended to reduce repeated visits to police stations, banks and courts.
How Can Victims Apply for Refunds?
Victims must first report the fraud through the 1930 helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Banks and payment service providers can then place suspected funds on hold through the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, preventing withdrawals while the complaint is examined.
Victims can subsequently select the ‘Raise Refund Request’ option on the portal. They must provide their complaint number, complete OTP verification and submit bank account details. The request is then forwarded to the investigating officer or relevant police station for scrutiny.
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What Are the Three Refund Categories?
The refund procedure depends on the amount frozen and the bank accounts involved. Where a single account contains up to ₹50,000 in frozen funds, a police report and indemnity bond are sufficient, without requiring an FIR or court order.
If the total frozen amount exceeds ₹50,000 but no individual account has more than ₹50,000 blocked, a police report is sufficient. However, when more than ₹50,000 is frozen in one account, an FIR becomes mandatory before the remaining refund formalities can proceed.
How Is the Frozen Money Released?
Police may issue notices to account holders seeking explanations about the frozen funds. If investigators establish that the money belongs to the victim and is no longer required for the investigation, they may recommend its release under Section 106(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Banks subsequently transfer the amount to the victim after receiving the relevant police order or report. The process is designed to make refunds more accessible while retaining necessary investigative checks.
Why Is Quick Reporting Important?
Police have emphasised that early reporting improves the chances of freezing stolen funds before criminals transfer them elsewhere. Cyber fraudsters increasingly use multiple accounts and layered transactions, making recovery more difficult when complaints are delayed.
The online module seeks to reduce the financial and administrative burden on victims, particularly those who need recovered funds for medical expenses, business operations or other essential payments.
What Warning Have Police Issued?
Rajasthan Police have cautioned victims against paying agents or unauthorised intermediaries who promise faster refunds. The official refund service is free, and victims should rely only on authorised channels.
Complaints and follow-ups can be made through cybercrime.gov.in or the 1930 helpline.
The420 Insight: Faster Reporting Can Improve Recovery
Rajasthan’s online restoration system offers a more direct route for victims seeking the return of frozen money. However, the ₹5.67 crore figure represents refunds directed by police, not necessarily money already credited to victims. Prompt reporting and avoiding unauthorised recovery agents remain essential to protecting victims from further losses.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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