The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has warned cyber‑fraud victims to submit refund claims only through the Money Restoration Module on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, aiming to make money recovery secure and transparent. The directive follows a Ministry of Home Affairs notification about earmarked refunds.

Key Takeaways

  • Cyber‑fraud victims must use the Money Restoration Module (MRM) for refund claims.
  • The process requires mobile OTP verification, PAN upload, and selection of the earmarked bank account.
  • No fee is charged; victims are warned against sharing OTPs or banking credentials.

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) issued a formal advisory today, reminding victims of cyber‑related financial loss to lodge their refund requests solely through the Money Restoration Module (MRM) available on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. The reminder comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sent SMS alerts to several victims about a designated refund scheme.

How the Money Restoration Module Works

MRM has been introduced to streamline the restitution of money lost to online frauds after thorough verification by law‑enforcement agencies and banks. Victims must log in using the mobile number linked to their cyber‑crime complaint, complete an OTP‑based identity check, select the eligible complaint, choose the earmarked bank account, upload PAN details where required, review the refund summary, and finally submit the request.

Official Process vs. Scam Tactics

TGCSB emphasized that only the refund process communicated by the Ministry of Home Affairs should be followed. Scammers often pose as “expedite agents,” demanding OTPs, passwords, or banking credentials to fast‑track refunds—a practice that only deepens victims’ losses. The bureau clarified that the MRM does not levy any service charge for filing a refund claim.

Support Channels

Citizens seeking assistance can call the TGCSB help desk at 8712665600 between 08:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs. They may also approach their local police station or contact the investigating officer handling their cyber‑crime case for further clarification.

Implications for the Future

As digital transactions proliferate, cyber‑fraud incidents are on the rise. TGCSB’s directive aligns with the broader national cyber‑security framework, promising a more transparent and accountable mechanism for money recovery. If successfully implemented, it could set a precedent for other Indian states to adopt similar centralized refund portals, strengthening public confidence in cyber‑crime redressal.