What to Do If Your Financial Fraud Money Is Not Recovered Even After Filing a Complaint?

Introduction

Financial fraud is a nightmare no one wishes to experience, yet it has become increasingly common in today's digital world. If you have been a victim of fraud and have followed all the necessary steps—filing a complaint with the bank, lodging a complaint on the cybercrime portal (cybercrime.gov.in), calling the 1930 helpline, and even registering an FIR—but still haven't recovered your money, don't lose hope.

There is an escalation process that you can follow to ensure that your case gets the attention it deserves. This guide will walk you through step-by-step actions you can take if official complaints yield no results.

Step 1: Follow Up with the Bank (Escalate Internally)

Contact Customer Care & Fraud Department Again

• Request a written update on your complaint.
• Ask for a dispute reference number or case ID if you don't have one already.
• If the bank refuses to assist, ask for a written rejection or explanation for further escalation.

Escalate to the Bank's Nodal Officer

• Every bank has a Grievance Redressal Mechanism (check your bank's website for details).
• File a complaint with the Nodal Officer if the bank does not provide a satisfactory response.
• If the bank does not resolve your issue within 30 days, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: File a Complaint with the RBI Ombudsman

If the bank fails to take appropriate action within 30 days, escalate the issue to the RBI Ombudsman.

How to File a Complaint with RBI Ombudsman

• Online Portal: cms.rbi.org.in
• Process:
  • Select "Banking" and fill in the complaint form.
  • Attach supporting documents (transaction proof, complaint details, bank's response).
  • Submit your case for review.
• Timeframe: RBI Ombudsman typically resolves complaints within 30–60 days.
• Alternative Methods:
  • Call RBI Ombudsman at 14448 (Mon-Fri, 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM).
  • Send a written complaint to your regional RBI Ombudsman office.

This is a free service, and no lawyer is required.

If no resolution is received from the RBI Ombudsman, move to Step 3.

Step 3: File a Case in Consumer Court

If both the bank and RBI Ombudsman fail to help, approach the Consumer Court under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Where to File a Case?

• Loss under ₹5 lakh: District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC).
• Loss between ₹5 lakh – ₹50 lakh: State Consumer Commission.
• Loss above ₹50 lakh: National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC, New Delhi).

Documents Required:

• Copies of bank complaints and cybercrime reports.
• Proof of the bank's rejection or lack of response.
• FIR copy and transaction details.

Legal Fees:

• District Consumer Court filing fee: ₹100 to ₹5,000 (varies by claim amount).

Expected Outcome:

• If the bank was negligent, the court can order reimbursement and compensation.

Step 4: Follow Up with Cyber Crime Police or Local Court

If the police or Cyber Crime Cell has not taken action:

Follow Up with Cyber Police:

• Visit the Cyber Police Station where you filed the FIR.
• Request a written update on the investigation.

Escalate to the Police's Nodal Officer:

• Reach out to your State/UT nodal office for your case update: i4c.mha.gov.in/nodal-officer
• Contact key officers within Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C): i4c.mha.gov.in/who

Escalate to Senior Police Officers:

If the police do not act, escalate to:

• Superintendent of Police (SP).
• Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
• Commissioner of Police (CP).

Legal Action (If Police Ignore the Case):

If the police refuse to register an FIR or delay the investigation, file a petition in the High Court under Section 482 of the CrPC for a directive to the police.

Step 5: Engage Legal Assistance

If all official steps fail, consider hiring a cybercrime lawyer for:

• Filing a private complaint in Civil Court (for fund recovery).
• Filing a Criminal Case against the scammer (if identified).

Step 6: Raise Awareness & Pressure Authorities

Use Social Media to Gain Attention

• Share your case details (without personal information) on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.
• Tag RBI, the Bank, Cyber Cell, and Government Authorities.
• Many victims have received responses through public pressure.

File a Public Grievance on PG Portal

• Website: pgportal.gov.in
• This helps escalate complaints to government authorities.

Additional Step: Leveraging RTI to Check FIR Status

If your FIR is not progressing, you can use the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 to obtain updates.

How to File an RTI Request for FIR Status

1. Draft an RTI Application:
   • Mention FIR Number, Date of Filing, Police Station Name.
   • Request information on the investigation status, officer assigned, and actions taken.
   • Pay ₹10 RTI Fee (via postal order, demand draft, or online).
2. Submit the RTI Application:
   • Offline: Send via Registered Post or Speed Post to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the police station.
   • Online: Some states allow RTI applications through rtionline.gov.in.
3. Follow Up:
   • The police must respond within 30 days.
   • If no response is received, escalate to First Appellate Authority (FAA).
   • If still no response, escalate to the State/Central Information Commission (CIC).

Conclusion

Recovering money lost to financial fraud requires persistence and a systematic escalation process. If one avenue fails, move to the next step promptly. Leverage banking laws, RBI regulations, consumer courts, police escalation, legal options, and RTI Act to ensure authorities take action.

Final Advice

✔ Keep all records – complaints, responses, transaction details, and FIR copies.
✔ Act fast – the sooner you escalate, the higher the chances of recovering your money.
✔ Understand limitations – banks may refuse refunds for small frauds, but legal action can help in large cases.

By following this step-by-step process, you significantly improve your chances of recovering your lost money and holding fraudsters accountable. 🚨