There is good news for the victims of cyber fraud. The Home Ministry has started a new system, through which victims can request to get back their lost money while sitting at home. Know who can apply, what the rules are and how to get a refund. Cyber crimes like OTP scams and “digital arrests” are increasing rapidly across the country. To provide relief to victims in such cases, the Union Home Ministry has launched a new sub-portal named ‘Mobile Restoration Module’ (MRM), through which victims of cyber fraud can request for refund online.
What is Mobile Restoration Module (MRM)?
MRM has been launched by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C) and is part of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Its purpose is to provide the victims the facility to apply for refund sitting at home, so that they do not have to visit banks or government offices again and again.
Who is eligible for refund?
Refund through MRM can be availed only if the victim has filed a timely complaint regarding cyber crime on 1930 helpline or NCRP portal. Also, the money transferred to the scammer’s bank account may have been frozen. These are the two main conditions. Also read: Good news for users! Now run two WhatsApp accounts on one phone—learn how to set it up.
What are the rules for amounts less than ₹50,000?
If the total amount frozen in the scammer’s bank account is less than ₹50,000, the victim does not need to submit an FIR or a court order. In such cases, the refund can be processed only on the basis of a police complaint.
Amount more than ₹50,000 but divided among multiple accounts
The second category includes cases where the total amount frozen is more than ₹50,000, but it is divided among multiple bank accounts and no single account has more than ₹50,000. Even in such cases, there is no need for FIR or court order. Also read: Be careful if your mobile network suddenly disappears! Could you be a victim of SIM swap fraud? Know how to keep yourself safe.
When are FIR and court orders required? If the amount frozen in the bank account is more than ₹50,000, it is necessary to lodge an FIR to get the refund. Once the application is submitted, the police will upload the required documents and notice on the portal. After this, the concerned bank will directly transfer the money to the victim’s account. (Image credit: AI)
What documents are required for refund?
Before applying on the MRM portal, have these things ready: bank account number, digital copy of your PAN card, 14-digit complaint ID, and mobile number registered with NCRP. If necessary, you may also have to upload a copy of the court order. (Image credit: AI)
How to apply for refund on MRM portal?
First of all, go to the MRM portal and select the ‘Citizen Login’ option. Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP. Next, go to the ‘Raise Refund Request’ section and enter your 14-digit complaint ID. Then, fill in your PAN card information, bank account number and IFSC code to submit the application. (Image credit: AI)
How to track status after applying?
Once the refund request is submitted, the portal will generate a unique request ID starting with “MR2026”. Users can track the status of their refund application online using this ID.