Telangana Returns Cyber Fraud Funds
Telangana: TGCSB Returns Rs 85.05 Crore to Cyber Fraud Victims
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has successfully facilitated the return of Rs 85.05 crore to victims of cyber fraud between March and July 2024. This achievement spans all commissionerates and districts of Telangana, with the Cyberabad commissionerate leading the way by refunding Rs 36.8 crore.
Since the measures and directives issued on February 20, 2024, to all District Judges, 6,840 petitions have been submitted to the courts. Of these, 6,449 cases were approved for refunds, totaling Rs 85.05 crore. This initiative underscores the collaborative efforts between the TGCSB and the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TGLSA) to tackle the surge in cyber crimes causing significant financial losses to citizens and the challenges faced by Station House Officers (SHOs) in registering First Information Reports (FIRs) through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
One of the primary issues addressed was the prolonged retention of fraudulent funds in banks without returning them to victims. To mitigate this, the TGCSB and TGLSA developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in February 2024. This SOP, designed to streamline the filing of petitions under Section 457 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), was distributed to all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in Telangana. The TGCSB’s active persuasion ensured the effective implementation of this SOP.
“The collaboration between the TGCSB and TGLSA, along with the active participation of the Telangana High Court, has established a robust legal framework to address the financial consequences of cybercrimes on citizens,” stated the TGCSB in a press release on August 5.
Importance of the Golden Hour
The TGCSB has emphasized the critical importance of reporting cyber fraud within the ‘golden hour.’ This term refers to the immediate period after a fraud is noticed. Prompt reporting significantly enhances the chances of freezing the fraudulent amount in the accused’s bank accounts and digital wallets, thereby facilitating potential refunds to victims.
Victims are urged to report incidents immediately by calling 1930 or visiting the CYBERCRIME.GOV.IN portal. The TGCSB also reminded citizens that law enforcement agencies never make video calls or request money transfers for verification purposes.
By underscoring the importance of immediate action and establishing clear protocols for reporting and addressing cyber fraud, the TGCSB and TGLSA have made significant strides in protecting citizens and ensuring timely restitution for victims. The collaborative framework and legal measures implemented serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges in combating cybercrime.
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