Facing unauthorized transactions in your bank account is a serious financial violation. And if you're also dealing with a false criminal accusation, it can feel like your life is spiraling out of control. The good news is that the law offers robust protections in both cases. Below is a detailed guide on your rights, the steps to take, and legal defenses available to you.
Part 1: What to Do If Unauthorized Transactions Occur in Your Bank Account
Your Rights as a Bank Customer
You have the legal right to:
- Safe and secure banking
- Immediate reporting and dispute resolution
- Compensation for losses if reported within the required timeframe and not caused by your negligence
Immediate Actions to Take
Inform Your Bank Immediately
- Call the bank’s 24x7 helpline and report the unauthorized transactions
- Follow up with a written complaint (email or physical form)
- Note the complaint number or reference ID for future correspondence
Block Your Account or Card
File a Cybercrime Complaint
Report the fraud to the Cybercrime Police or through your national cybercrime reporting portal (e.g., cybercrime.gov.in in India)
Include copies of bank statements, complaint letters, and any suspicious messages
Submit a Dispute Resolution Form
Keep All Evidence
Your Legal Protections
Under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines or similar regulations in other countries, if the customer reports unauthorized transactions promptly (usually within 3 working days), they are not liable for any financial loss
The bank is required to complete the investigation within a maximum of 90 days
If you are denied compensation unjustly, you can:
Part 2: What to Do If You Are Falsely Accused of a Crime (e.g., Theft or Harassment)
A false accusation can damage your personal and professional life. However, the legal system is designed to protect the innocent, and there are steps you can take to defend yourself effectively.
Your Legal Rights
- Presumption of Innocence – You are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
- Right to Legal Representation – You have the right to be defended by a lawyer
- Right Against Self-Incrimination – You can choose to remain silent until advised by legal counsel
- Right to Bail – Depending on the offense, you can apply for anticipatory or regular bail
- Right to File a Counter-Complaint – If the accusation is baseless, you can take legal action for defamation or false reporting
Actions You Must Take Immediately
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
- They will review the charges, file anticipatory bail (if applicable), and defend you legally
Collect Evidence That Proves Your Innocence
Gather texts, emails, location records, social media logs, CCTV footage, and witness statements
File a Counter-Case (if applicable)
Maintain Silence on Social Media
Demand a Fair and Neutral Investigation
Legal Defenses in False Criminal Accusations
- Alibi: Show evidence that you were elsewhere during the alleged crime
- Mistaken Identity: You’ve been wrongly accused due to misidentification
- Lack of Motive: Show that you had no reason to commit the alleged act
- Absence of Evidence: If there is no material or circumstantial proof, the case will weaken
- Digital Proof: GPS, login records, or phone metadata supporting your defense
Final Thoughts
Dealing with financial fraud and false legal accusations at the same time is undoubtedly stressful — but you are not powerless. Here's a brief recap of what you must do:
| Issue | First Action | Legal Remedy |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Unauthorized Transactions | Report to bank and cybercrime portal | Banking Ombudsman / Consumer Court |
| False Accusation | Hire a defense lawyer and gather evidence | Criminal defense + Defamation/counter-case |
