Itanagar, Jun 20: In a significant breakthrough for cybercrime victim support, the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Itanagar has successfully facilitated the restoration of Rs 30,000 to two cyber fraud victims through the newly launched Money Restoration Module (MRM), emerging as one of the pioneering police units in Northeast India to effectively utilize the platform.
The Money Restoration Module, introduced by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this year, is designed to simplify and expedite the return of money lost to cyber fraud. The system enables victims to reclaim frozen funds without requiring an FIR or court order, provided the disputed amount does not exceed Rs 50,000 in a single account.
Officials said the platform marks a major shift in cybercrime response by eliminating lengthy legal procedures and reducing the burden on victims seeking recovery of relatively small amounts lost to online scams.
The MRM functions entirely online and is applicable only in cases where the defrauded money remains frozen in the fraudster’s account. Funds already withdrawn or transferred cannot be recovered through the module, making prompt reporting of cybercrime incidents crucial.
Victims can initiate the refund process through the Money Restoration Portal by using the Complaint Acknowledgement ID generated after reporting the fraud through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the national cybercrime helpline, 1930. After verification and submission of required documents, applicants receive a unique Money Restoration Reference Number to track the status of their claims.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, officials noted that many victims of low-value cyber frauds have traditionally struggled to recover their money due to lengthy judicial procedures. The new mechanism offers a faster and more citizen-friendly alternative, particularly benefiting victims in regions where awareness and utilisation of cybercrime reporting systems have historically remained low.
The successful restoration of funds by CCPS Itanagar demonstrates the effectiveness of timely reporting and coordinated action between law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, officials said.
Citizens have been urged to immediately report any cyber fraud by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or filing a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Early reporting significantly improves the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering stolen funds.
The police also advised the public to remain vigilant against online scams by never sharing OTPs, PINs, passwords or banking credentials, and by being cautious of fraudulent calls, fake investment schemes and so-called "digital arrest" scams.
"Your awareness is your strongest defence against cybercrime. Report suspicious activity immediately and stay informed to stay safe," the police said.
For assistance, citizens may contact the Cyber Crime Police Station, Itanagar, or use the national cybercrime helpline 1930.