ED launches QR code-based summons to prevent impersonation scams
New Delhi, Oct 8: In a bid to protect the public from fraudsters impersonating officials, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has rolled…
New Delhi, Oct 8: In a bid to protect the public from fraudsters impersonating officials, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has rolled out a new system for issuing summons embedded with a QR code and unique passcode. This allows recipients to verify the authenticity of the summons they receive, helping prevent scams related to “digital arrests.”
The ED clarified that arrests are carried out physically, following proper legal procedure under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and that there is no provision for online or digital arrests. The move comes after multiple reports of conmen sending fake summons, often mimicking the genuine documents, with the intention of cheating or extorting individuals.
Under the new system, all summons must be issued digitally, except in exceptional cases. Each summons will feature the issuing officer’s signature, official stamp, email ID, and phone number for verification.
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Recipients can confirm a summons’ validity by scanning the QR code or entering the details online, with authentication available 24 hours after issuance (excluding weekends and public holidays).
For summons issued outside the system, individuals can verify authenticity by contacting the designated ED point of contact, Assistant Director Rahul Verma, at adinv2-ed@gov.in or 011-23339172.
The initiative specifically targets scams in which impersonators posed as ED officials, issuing fraudulent arrest orders and misleading citizens in the name of “digital arrests.” The ED emphasized its commitment to combat these fraudulent practices and urged the public not to fall victim to such impersonation attempts.
During investigations, the ED issues summons under Section 50(2) of PMLA and Section 37 of FEMA, 1999. The new QR code-based system ensures that individuals can easily distinguish genuine summons from fake ones, reducing the risk of exploitation by conmen.
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This step reinforces the ED’s aim to enhance transparency, protect citizens, and strengthen procedural integrity in the issuance of summons.
