Lost Money in UPI or Online Fraud in Bihar? Complete Legal Recovery Guide (2026)

Common Types of Money Fraud in Bihar

People in Bihar commonly lose money through:

• UPI/Google Pay/PhonePe/Paytm OTP scams

• Fake KYC update calls

• OLX & Facebook Marketplace fraud

• Fake job placement scams

• Fake loan and investment apps

• ATM card cloning

• WhatsApp and Instagram hacking

• Fake customer care numbers

Step 1: Immediate Action After Losing Money (Most Important Stage)

The first 30 to 60 minutes after fraud decide whether recovery is possible.

Immediately do all of the following:

• Call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline)

• Inform your bank immediately

• Request to freeze the transaction

• Block your UPI, card & internet banking

• Take screenshots of:

  • Transaction details

  • Fraudster number

  • SMS & call history

  • Chat messages

Never delete evidence.

Step 2: Register Online Cyber Complaint for Recovery

Recovery process officially starts only after online complaint.

Go to:
👉 https://www.cybercrime.gov.in

Select “Financial Fraud” and fill:

• Your identity details

• Fraud transaction amount

• Mode of payment

• Fraudster number or account

• Bank details

• Upload proof

After submission, you will receive a complaint ID.
This ID is required by both the bank and police for recovery action.

Step 3: How Banks Recover Money in Cyber Fraud

Once complaint is registered:

• Police inform the nodal bank officer

• Fraud account is tracked and frozen

• If money is still present in that account → money can be reversed

• If transferred further → police track trail using cyber forensics

Recovery depends on:

• Speed of reporting

• Amount of money

• Fraud network sophistication

• Bank response time

Faster the complaint → higher the chance of recovery.

Step 4: Filing FIR for Strong Legal Pressure

If:

• Money is not returned

• Bank delays action

• Fraud amount is large

You must file FIR in Cyber Thana / Police Station.
FIR creates legal pressure on banks and cyber cells for fast investigation.

FIR sections used:

• Section 420 IPC – Cheating

• Section 66D IT Act – Online fraud

• Section 66C IT Act – Identity theft

What If Bank Refuses to Refund Money?

Banks normally say:

• “Customer shared OTP”

• “Negligence from user”

• “No refund possible”

But legally:

• If fraud is proven

• If complaint was immediate

• If account trace is available

Then refund CAN be demanded through legal channel.

Victim can:

• Send legal notice to bank

• File complaint before Banking Ombudsman

• File consumer court case

• File writ petition in High Court (in serious cases)

When Do You Need a Lawyer for Recovery?

You should contact a lawyer if:

• FIR is not registered

• Police is delaying investigation

• Bank refuses refund permanently

• Fraud amount is above ₹50,000

• Fraudster identity is known

• You are receiving threats

A lawyer helps by:

• Drafting legal notice

• Forcing FIR through court

• Filing recovery & compensation case

• Monitoring police investigation

• Representing you before cyber authorities

How Much Time Does Recovery Take?

Recovery time depends on case type:

• Fast reporting cases: 15–45 days

• Moderate delays: 2–6 months

• Complex fraud rings: 6–18 months

But without FIR or legal follow-up, recovery becomes almost impossible.

What If Fraudster is From Another State or Country?

Even if fraudster is from:

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Kolkata

• Nepal / Dubai / foreign countries

Police can still:

• Track bank accounts

• Freeze wallets

• Coordinate through cyber cells

• Involve central agencies if required

Cross-border fraud cases take longer but are not impossible.

Important Legal Truth for Cyber Fraud Victims

• You are not at fault legally

• Police must register FIR

• Bank must cooperate

• Recovery depends on speed & pressure

• Silence = total loss

• Legal action = chance of justice

Final Advice for Cyber Fraud Victims in Bihar

If you lost money in online fraud:

• Do NOT feel ashamed

• Do NOT panic

• Do NOT delay

Take immediate legal action. The quicker you move, the stronger your recovery chance becomes.

Cyber criminals rely on fear and silence. Law works on evidence and speed