If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Mr. Rohan Verma, a resident of the city of Janakpuri, was recently a victim of a sophisticated online scam. He was lured into a fake investment opportunity advertised on a popular social media app, “QuickConnect.” Believing the promises of high returns, he transferred a substantial sum to an account managed by a company named “Zenith Wealth Partners.” Soon after, he realised it was a fraud and the company vanished. Mr. Verma acted swiftly and filed a detailed complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

A few weeks later, upon checking his complaint status, he saw an update: “Transaction put on hold with remarks: Lien Marked.” Unfamiliar with this terminology, he was anxious about whether this was a positive or negative development in his quest to recover his hard-earned money. Understanding this status is crucial for any victim of cyber fraud.

Seeing “Lien Marked” on your complaint is a significant and positive step. It means the cyber police have acted on your complaint and instructed the destination bank (where the money was transferred) to freeze the funds. A “lien” is a legal claim or hold on an asset—in this case, the money in the fraudster’s account. This action prevents the criminal from withdrawing your money, effectively putting it on hold pending further legal proceedings. It is the first major victory in the process of recovering your funds.

Advice in such cases

• Stay Patient: The legal process after freezing the account takes time. The “Lien Marked” status is a confirmation that the system is working.
• Follow Up: Maintain communication with the investigating officer assigned to your case. You can find their details on the cybercrime portal or at the local cyber police station.
• Preserve All Communication: Keep every piece of evidence, including the complaint number, transaction records, and any correspondence with the police or bank.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

Applicable Sections of Law

Cybercrime cases like this involve several legal provisions. With the recent overhaul of India’s criminal laws, the following are relevant:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS): Section 318 of the BNS, which deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, is directly applicable. If the fraud involves impersonation, other relevant sections may also apply.
• Information Technology Act, 2000: This Act remains a cornerstone of cyber law. Section 66D (punishment for cheating by personation by using computer resource) and Section 43 (penalty and compensation for damage to computer, computer system, etc.) are often invoked.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS): The procedures for investigation, freezing of bank accounts, and collection of electronic evidence are governed by the BNSS. The police act under these provisions to issue notices to banks to mark a lien on the funds.

If you are the complainant

As the person who filed the complaint, your role continues even after the lien is marked.

• Cooperate with the Investigation: The police will likely contact you for a formal statement and to collect original documents. Your full cooperation is essential.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check the status on the portal and be prepared for the next steps, which typically involve the police filing a chargesheet and the matter moving to court.
• Document Everything: Note down the dates of all communications, the names of officers you speak with, and the advice you receive.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

If you are the victim

If you have just discovered that you are a victim of online fraud, time is of the essence.

• Immediate Reporting: Your first action should be to call the National Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930. This initiates the process of tracking and freezing the money, known as the ‘golden hour’. Following this, file a formal complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in.
• Inform Your Bank: Immediately notify your bank about the fraudulent transaction, providing them with the transaction ID and other details.
• Gather Evidence: Collect screenshots of the fraudulent platform, chats with the scammer, transaction receipts, and bank statements.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

How the police behave in such cases

The cyber police units are specially trained to handle such cases. Upon receiving a complaint, especially through helpline 1930, they have a standard operating procedure. They immediately create a “ticket” that is sent to the relevant banks—both the victim’s (debit) bank and the fraudster’s (credit) bank. The goal is to trace the money trail and freeze it before it is withdrawn. The “Lien Marked” status is a direct result of this swift action. The police will then proceed with a formal investigation, which includes identifying the accused based on the account details, mobile numbers, and IP addresses, and eventually filing a case in court.

FAQs people normally have

Q: Does “Lien Marked” guarantee that I will get my money back?
A: It is not an automatic guarantee, but it is the most critical step towards recovery. The money is secured and cannot be withdrawn by the fraudster. The final return of money requires a court order, which will be issued after the legal process is completed.

Q: What happens after the lien is marked?
A: The police will continue their investigation to apprehend the criminals. The case will be filed in court, and you may be called as a witness. The court will then hear the matter and pass an order to release the frozen funds to you, the rightful owner.

Q: How long does it take to get the money back after a lien is marked?
A: The timeline varies greatly. It depends on the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and how quickly the police can complete the investigation. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

What evidence is required?

To build a strong case, you must provide clear and comprehensive evidence. This includes:

• Bank account statements showing the debit of money.
• Screenshots of the fraudulent transaction, including the recipient’s account details.
• Screenshots of your conversations with the scammer (e.g., on WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media).
• The URL of the fake website or the profile of the social media account used for the scam.
• A copy of your complaint filed on the cybercrime portal.

How long will the investigation take?

The duration of a cybercrime investigation is unpredictable. Simple cases where the money is frozen in the first recipient account can be resolved relatively quickly. However, many fraudsters use multiple mule accounts to layer the money, making the trail difficult to trace. Interstate or international aspects can further delay the process. Patience and regular follow-ups are key. The “Lien Marked” status confirms that your case is moving in the right direction.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India