How to Write a Complaint Letter to Police for Not Returning Money


Published: 6 Jan 2025


If someone does not return your money even after you ask many times, you might need to complain to the police. Writing a complaint letter can seem difficult, but this guide will help you write a simple and effective letter to explain your problem to the police. It will also make sure your issue is taken seriously and resolved quickly. 

A person writing a complaint letter to the police, focusing on legal action for money recovery.
A formal complaint letter writing to the police to recover unpaid money.

This guide will show you how to share your details, describe the problem, and attach evidence to make your case stronger. You will also find five sample letters for different situations to guide you step by step.

1. Importance of Filing a Complaint

Not getting your money back can be upsetting and difficult. While talking directly to the person might solve the issue in some cases, other times the person may refuse or ignore you. In such situations, seeking help from the police is important. Writing a formal complaint will not only document your problem but also start a legal process to recover your money effectively.

2. Steps to Write a Complaint Letter to Police for Not Returning Money

Your complaint letter should be clear, concise, and factual. Here’s what to include:

  1. Your Contact Information: Ensure the police can easily reach you by providing your full name, address, phone number, and email.
  2. Date of Writing: Include the date when you are writing the complaint letter to ensure clarity. 
  3. Recipient Details: Address your letter to the officer-in-charge or relevant department at the police station.
  4. Subject Line: Include a brief and specific subject, such as “Complaint Regarding Non-Return of Borrowed Money.”
  5. Detailed Description: Clearly state the issue, including:
    • The amount of money involved.
    • The person or entity responsible for returning it.
    • The circumstances under which the money was given.
    • Efforts you’ve made to resolve the issue independently.
  6. Supporting Evidence: Share any important documents or messages, like:
    • Written agreements or promissory notes.
    • Bank transaction records.
    • Emails, messages, or other correspondence.
  7. Request for Action: Tell the police clearly what you want them to do, like starting an investigation or helping you settle the issue.
  8. Polite Closing: Thank the police for their time and attention, and include your signature.

3. Sample 1: Complaint Letter for Non-Return of Loaned Money

Scenario: You trusted a friend or someone you know and lent them money, believing they would return it on time as promised. But even after reminders and asking them, they keep delaying or refuse to pay it back.

Your Information:
Ravi Kumar
123 MG Road, Sector 45
New Delhi, Delhi 110001
+91-9876543210
ravi.kumar@example.com

Date: (DD.MM.YYYY )

Recipient Information:
To,
The Station Head Officer
Connaught Place Police Station
Connaught Place, New Delhi
New Delhi, Delhi 110001

Subject: Complaint Regarding Non-Return of Loaned Money

Body:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to complain about [Name of Borrower], who took [Amount] from me on [Date] with a promise to return it by [Due Date]. Even after several reminders, they have not returned the money.

I have added the loan agreement and all the messages we exchanged to help explain the issue. Even after trying my best to settle this peacefully, [Name of Borrower] has not kept their promise to repay.

I request that the police investigate this matter and help recover the funds owed to me.

I appreciate your help in resolving this issue quickly, as it has caused me significant stress.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample complaint letter to the police for non-return of loaned money, featuring a professional letter format.
Sample format of a complaint letter to the police for non-return of loaned money.

Tips for Writing a Complaint Letter:

  • Be polite and stick to the facts.
  • Clearly explain the situation and provide dates.
  • Attach all supporting documents, like agreements or messages.
  • Request the police for specific action, like investigating the case.

4. Sample 2: Complaint Letter for Non-Refund of Advance Payment

Scenario: You made an advance payment for goods or services, expecting them to be delivered by an agreed date. However, the seller has failed to deliver or refund the amount despite repeated reminders.

Your Information:
Amit Sharma
House No. 45, Green Avenue
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
+91-9876543210
amit.sharma@example.com

Date: (DD.MM.YYYY )

Recipient Information:
To,
The Station House Officer (SHO)
Mumbai Police Station
Colaba, Mumbai
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Subject: Complaint Regarding Non-Refund of Advance Payment

Body:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to file a complaint against [Name of Seller/Service Provider], who has failed to return the advance payment of [Amount] that I made on [Date]. This payment was for [Goods/Services] that were supposed to be delivered by [Agreed Date], but [Seller/Service Provider] has neither delivered the goods nor refunded my payment.

Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter through email and phone calls, I have received no response from [Seller/Service Provider].

I kindly request your assistance in investigating and recovering my advance payment. Attached are the receipts, email correspondence, and any other relevant documents.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample complaint letter to the police for non-refund of advance payment, featuring a professional format with sender and receiver details.
Sample format of a complaint letter to the police for recovering an advance payment.

Tips for Filing an Advance Payment Complaint:

  • Mention the agreed delivery date for goods or services.
  • Share proof of the advance payment, such as a receipt.
  • Include all attempts you made to contact the seller.
  • Request a full refund or resolution of the issue.

5. Sample 3: Complaint Letter for Security Deposit Refund

Scenario: After vacating a rented property or completing a service agreement, you were entitled to a refund of your security deposit. Despite fulfilling all conditions, the landlord or service provider has refused to return your deposit.

Your Information:
Sunita Verma
Flat No. 101, Ashok Nagar
Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001
+91-9823456789
sunita.verma@example.com

Date: (DD.MM.YYYY )

Recipient Information:
To,
The Station House Officer (SHO)
Jaipur Police Station
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

Subject: Complaint Regarding Non-Refund of Security Deposit

Body:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to file a complaint against [Landlord/Service Provider] for failing to return my security deposit of [Amount]. The deposit was paid on [Date] for renting [Property/Service] with an agreement to return it after [Duration/Condition]. However, despite fulfilling all terms and leaving the property in good condition, the deposit has not been refunded.

I have attached the rental agreement, bank transaction details, and photographs of the property’s condition at the time of vacating. I have contacted [Landlord/Service Provider] multiple times but have not received any response.

I request that the police investigate this issue and assist in recovering the deposit.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample complaint letter to the police for non-refund of security deposit, showcasing a professional letter format.
Sample format of a complaint letter to the police for non-refund of security deposit.

Tips for Security Deposit Complaints:

  • Specify the terms of the deposit agreement.
  • Provide proof of fulfilling all conditions for the refund.
  • Share documents like the rental agreement and condition photos.
  • Politely ask the police to help recover your deposit.

6. Sample 4: Complaint Letter for Unpaid Services

Scenario: You completed work or provided services to a client as agreed, but the client has not made the payment despite receiving the completed work.

Your Information:
Ramesh Kumar
House No. 25, Ram Nagar
Pune, Maharashtra 411014
+91-9123456789
ramesh.kumar@example.com

Date: (DD.MM.YYYY )

Recipient Information:
To,

The Station House Officer (SHO)
Pune Police Station
Pune, Maharashtra
Pune, Maharashtra 411014

Subject: Complaint Regarding Unpaid Services Rendered

Body:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to file a formal complaint against [Client’s Name], who owes me [Amount] for services rendered on [Date]. The agreed-upon payment for the services provided has not been received, even though the work was completed in full.

I have attached the signed service contract and the invoice for the payment. Despite my repeated requests for payment, [Client’s Name] has failed to respond or fulfil the payment obligations.

I would appreciate it if you could assist in recovering the amount owed to me through an investigation into this matter.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample complaint letter to the police for unpaid services, showcasing a professional letter format with sender and receiver details.
Professional format for writing a complaint letter to the police for unpaid services.

Tips for Service Payment Issues:

  • State clearly what services you provided and the agreed payment terms.
  • Attach the service agreement and invoice as proof.
  • Include any communication attempts with the client.
  • Ask for the police’s help in recovering the payment.

7. Sample 5: How to Write a Complaint Letter for Outstanding Business Payment

Scenario: You delivered products or provided services to a business client as part of a transaction. Despite issuing invoices and following up, the payment remains overdue.

Your Information:
Ajay Singh
18, New City Colony
Chennai, TN 600100
+91-9876543210
ajay.singh@example.com

Date: (DD.MM.YYYY )

Recipient Information:

To,
The Station House Officer (SHO)
Chennai Police Station
New City Colony
Chennai, TN 600100

Subject: Complaint Regarding Outstanding Payment for Business Transaction

Body:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally complain about the non-payment of [Amount] owed by [Business Client Name], which is for products/services delivered on [Date]. According to our agreement, the payment was due on [Date], but despite several follow-ups, I have not received the funds.

Attached to this letter are the signed contract, invoices, and communication records with [Business Client Name]. I kindly request that the police assist in recovering the outstanding payment.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample complaint letter to the police for outstanding business payment, highlighting a professional format.
Professional format for writing a complaint letter to the police for unpaid business payments.

Tips for Business Payment Complaints:

  • Mention the product or service you provided and the due date for payment.
  • Include copies of invoices, contracts, and reminders.
  • State how the delay is affecting you or your business.
  • Request the police to take action to resolve the issue.

FAQs About Writing a Complaint Letter to Police for Not Returning Money

Writing a complaint letter can be confusing. Below are answers to common questions to guide you through the process effectively.

What should I include in a complaint letter to the police for unpaid money?

Include your details, the issue, the amount involved, efforts to resolve it, and evidence like agreements or messages.

Can I file a police complaint if someone doesn’t return my money?

Yes, you can file a complaint with the police if the person refuses to return your money despite repeated reminders.

What evidence is needed to file a money-related complaint?

Documents like written agreements, transaction receipts, emails, or chat records can support your complaint.

Is there a format for a complaint letter to the police?

Yes, follow a clear format: Your details, recipient details, subject, issue description, evidence, and request for action.

How do I address a police officer in the complaint letter?

Address the letter to “The Station House Officer (SHO)” or the officer in charge of the concerned police station.

What if I don’t have written proof of the money lent?

Even without written proof, you can mention verbal agreements and other supporting details in your complaint.

How long does it take for the police to act on a complaint letter?

It depends on the case’s complexity, but filing a detailed complaint increases the chances of quick action.

Can I write a complaint letter in my local language?

Yes, you can write the complaint in your local language to ensure better understanding by the police.

Should I consult a lawyer to draft a police complaint letter?

It’s not mandatory, but consulting a lawyer can help if the situation is complex or involves legal disputes.

What should I do if the police don’t act on my complaint?

You can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with higher authorities like the Superintendent of Police (SP).

Conclusion

Filing a complaint with the police is an important step to resolve financial issues like unpaid loans, non-refunds, or other money-related problems. To ensure your complaint letter to the police for not returning money is effective:

  • Keep your letter polite and professional.
  • Share all the facts clearly and avoid emotional language.
  • Provide evidence like agreements, messages, or receipts.

By doing this, you make it easier for the police to understand and act on your complaint.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to write a strong complaint letter to the police for not returning money. This will increase your chances of getting your issue resolved quickly. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might need it. We’d also love to hear your thoughts or any questions in the comments below. Remember, if the situation becomes more serious, seeking legal advice can be a good option.




Tauqeer Ahmed Avatar
Tauqeer Ahmed

Hello! I’m Tauqeer Ahmed, and I’m passionate about making letter writing easier for everyone. From professional business letters to personal notes, I provide simple templates and helpful advice to make your writing stand out.


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