The digital arrest scam is a latest but most draconian scam happening with the Indian citizens. It is reported that victims from India might have collectively lost more than 1500 Cr in last Six months in these scams.
The aftermath of Digital arrest scam is very shocking and it takes victims normally more than a week to come to his/her senses .
IS POLICE COMPLAINT IS END OF THE ROAD OF RECOVERY OF HARD-EARNED MONEY LOST BY THE DIGITAL ARREST SCAM VICTIMS?
Dr Mahendra Limaye has recently filed two complaints before NCDRC. The highest consumer Commission in India, scrutinized these issues wherein victims are seeking relief against the banks, whose accounts were used to siphon the money and these banks have been charged with not-complying with various RBI guidelines. The victims lost Rs 10.30 Crore and 5.85 Crore respectively. It is contended by the complainants that Victims have been met with Digital Accident known as Digital arrest and were not at all negligent while parting with their hard-earned money. It was also contended that various mandatory guidelines of Reserve Bank of India were flouted by these banks and which aggravated the passage for siphoning off the money from victim’s account.
The Hon NCDRC Bench consisting of President Retd. Justice. Shri A. P. Sahi and member Mr. Bharatkumar Pandya considered whether such complaints would fall Within the definition of a consumer complaint and what would be the pecuniary jurisdiction to be determined for entertaining such complaints. And after much deliberations issued notices to the banks calling upon them to answer both the complaints.
Assessing the gravity and seriousness of the Digital arrest scams, the Hon NCDRC has also made its intention of seeking assistance of agencies like the Financial Intelligence Unit of India, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and such other agencies which may be needed in course of further hearing.
This Admission of complaints filed by Digital arrest Scam victims is certainly encouraging event for the victims as they had no other remedy available to seek the financial relief.
“There are various banking guidelines issued by RBI, for protection of bank account holders and when banks own Duty of Care towards its customers, non-compliance of these guidelines must result in penalizing the banks and providing compensation to the bank consumers. If other such victims of Digital Arrest scam come forward and take up their matters before appropriate foras, courts will also realize the quantum and perhaps some government intervention is also possible for compensating the victims” feels Adv Dr Mahendra Limaye who is representing the two victims in above cases a/w Adv Alok Sharma.