Phishing scams are among the most common cyber crimes in India. Every day, individuals lose money due to fake emails, SMS, WhatsApp messages, calls, and links that impersonate banks, government departments, delivery services, or trusted companies.
Victims of phishing scams often face financial loss, unauthorized transactions, bank account lien or freeze, and cyber crime investigations. Understanding the legal process and your rights is essential.
What Is a Phishing Scam?
A phishing scam is a cyber crime where fraudsters trick victims into sharing sensitive information such as:
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OTP
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ATM or debit card PIN
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UPI PIN
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Net banking credentials
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Credit or debit card details
The fraudster pretends to be a bank official, customer care executive, courier service, or government authority.
Common Types of Phishing Scams
Bank Phishing
Fake messages or calls asking to update KYC or warning of account suspension.
UPI Phishing
Fraudsters send “collect requests” claiming to issue refunds.
Email Phishing
Emails with malicious links or fake login pages.
SMS Phishing
Messages containing suspicious links or fake offers.
Voice Call Phishing
Calls impersonating bank or service officials.
Social Media Phishing
Fake profiles and messages on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook.
QR Code Phishing
Requests to scan QR codes to receive money.
Role of a Cyber Crime Lawyer in Phishing Scam Cases
A cyber crime lawyer assists in:
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Understanding legal rights and procedures
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Filing and tracking cyber crime complaints
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Communicating with banks and cyber crime cells
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Preparing written explanations for investigations
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Supporting bank account unfreeze and lien removal
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Legal representation in police and court proceedings
Why Bank Accounts Get Frozen After Phishing Scams
Bank accounts may be frozen during investigation due to:
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Fraud money passing through the account
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Account appearing in the transaction trail
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Classification as a layer account (Layer 1–5)
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Written instructions from cyber crime cell or police
Banks must comply with investigation orders.
Types of Bank Account Restrictions
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Lien: A fixed amount is blocked
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Debit Freeze: Withdrawals restricted
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Complete Freeze: No debit or credit allowed
Understanding Layer Accounts
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Layer 1: Direct recipient of phishing money
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Layer 2: Received money from Layer 1
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Layer 3–5: Indirect or technical recipients
Even innocent accounts in higher layers may be temporarily frozen.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Phishing Scam
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Call 1930 immediately
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Inform your bank and block access
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File a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in
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Preserve messages, call records, and screenshots
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Cooperate with the investigating authority
How to Unfreeze Bank Account in Phishing Cases
Step 1: Identify Investigating Authority
Confirm which cyber crime cell or police station issued the freeze order.
Step 2: Submit Explanation and Documents
Provide bank statements, transaction details, and identity proof.
Step 3: Apply for NOC from Cyber Crime Cell
Banks generally require an official NOC to lift the freeze.
Application for NOC from Cyber Crime Cell
To
The Station House Officer
Cyber Crime Cell
Subject: Request for NOC for unfreezing bank account
I respectfully submit that my bank account has been frozen during investigation of a phishing scam. I have submitted all required information and cooperated fully.
I request your good office to kindly issue an NOC to my bank for unfreezing my account.
Yours sincerely
Name:
Mobile No.:
Date:
Application for Bank Account Lien / Freeze Removal
To
The Branch Manager
[Bank Name]
Subject: Request for removal of lien / debit freeze
I request you to kindly remove the lien/debit freeze on my bank account as the transaction has been clarified and necessary permission/NOC has been provided.
Account Number:
Yours sincerely
Name & Signature
Legal Provisions Related to Phishing Scams
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Section 43, IT Act – Unauthorized access
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Section 66C, IT Act – Identity theft
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Section 66D, IT Act – Cheating by personation
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Section 420, IPC – Cheating
Types of Bail in Phishing Scam Cases
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Anticipatory Bail
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Regular Bail
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Interim Bail
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Default Bail
Bail depends on facts, evidence, and role in the transaction.
How to Recover Money Lost in Phishing Scam
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Report immediately via 1930
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File online complaint with details
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Inform bank without delay
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Follow investigation updates
Early reporting improves recovery chances.
Cyber Safety Tips by Advocate Deepak (Cyber Crime Lawyer)
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Never share OTP, PIN, or passwords
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Banks never ask for confidential information
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Avoid clicking unknown links
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Verify caller identity independently
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Enable transaction alerts
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Report phishing attempts immediately
Phishing scams are sophisticated cyber crimes that affect people across India. While financial loss and bank account freezes can be stressful, proper reporting, documentation, and awareness of legal procedures help protect victims’ rights and prevent further harm.
Disclaimer
This content is purely for educational and informational purposes. It is not a promotion, advertisement, or solicitation. The information is for public awareness only. If you are a victim of cybercrime, call 1930 or report to the National Cybercrime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) immediately.