Cyber Fraud Recovery: Mumbai Police Return INR 3.97 Crore to 6,096 Victims

The Mumbai Police have helped recover and return ₹3.97 crore to 6,096 cyber fraud victims over the past two months through the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and the Money Restoration Module (MRM).

During the same period, authorities successfully blocked ₹18.27 crore linked to 24,860 cyber fraud cases, preventing the money from being transferred further and potentially lost.

₹16.18 Crore Found Eligible for Refund

Following financial and legal scrutiny, the police determined that ₹16.18 crore of the blocked funds was eligible for restoration to victims. Of this amount, ₹3.97 crore has already been credited directly to victims’ bank accounts.

The process of returning the remaining eligible funds has also begun, according to the police.

The Money Restoration Module was introduced by the Mumbai Police in line with directions from the Centre. The system is designed to help authorities quickly block fraudulent transactions and make the process of returning recovered money to victims more efficient after the necessary legal procedures are completed.

Why Reporting Cyber Fraud Quickly Matters

Police officials have stressed the importance of reporting financial cybercrime immediately. Calling 1930 during the “golden hour” can significantly improve the chances of stopping stolen money before fraudsters move it through multiple bank accounts.

Once a complaint is received, police teams coordinate with banks and other financial institutions to identify and freeze or place liens on suspicious funds.

Over the last four years, Mumbai Police have frozen or placed liens on around 30,000 first-layer bank accounts allegedly used to receive proceeds from cyber fraud. Authorities have also deactivated more than 17,000 mobile numbers that were reportedly obtained using fake documents and used in cybercrime.

2,169 Cybercrime Complaints Resolved

The police’s Grievance Redressal Mechanism portal received 2,337 complaints during the past two months. Of these, 2,169 complaints have been resolved, highlighting the growing focus on speedy redressal of cybercrime-related grievances.

What Cyber Fraud Victims Should Do

Mumbai Police have advised people who lose money to an online scam to act without delay. Victims should:

• Immediately call Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
• Inform their bank and request urgent action on the transaction.
• Keep the UTR or transaction reference number safely.
• Preserve WhatsApp chats and other conversations with the fraudster.
• Save screenshots of transactions, messages and suspicious websites.
• Retain details and records of suspicious phone calls.
• Provide all available evidence to the police during the investigation.

The Mumbai Police said quick reporting is critical to blocking fraudulent funds. Acting within the crucial initial period can increase the possibility of freezing the money before it is moved through other accounts.