ED Launches QR Code Verification System to Combat Fake Summons and Digital Arrest Scams: How to Verify Official Communications

The announcement comes amid a surge in scams involving fake summons (Representational)

New Delhi:

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has implemented a new verification system featuring QR codes and unique passcodes for its summons to protect citizens from escalating cyber frauds. This initiative targets individuals who impersonate ED officials to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

This development comes as authorities observe an increase in scams involving counterfeit summons issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

According to Wednesday's press release, legitimate ED summons will now be generated through an internal system that incorporates a scannable QR code and passcode at the bottom. These official documents must also contain the issuing officer's signature, stamp, official email address, and contact number.

All ED officials are required to utilize this new system, with exceptions only in rare circumstances. This measure addresses the difficulty in distinguishing authentic summons from fraudulent ones, which scammers design to closely mimic official formats.

Recipients can verify authenticity through two methods. First, by scanning the QR code, which redirects to the ED's website where entering the passcode reveals key information including the summoned party's name, officer's designation, and summons date.

Second, individuals can visit https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/ and select 'Verify Your Summons' from the menu, then input the summons number and passcode for confirmation.

Verification becomes available 24 hours after issuance, excluding holidays and weekends. For summons not generated through this system, individuals can contact Assistant Director Rahul Verma at the ED headquarters in New Delhi using contact information available on the official website.

The press release also cautioned against "digital arrest" scams, where fraudsters pose as ED officers and issue fake online arrest orders to defraud victims.

The ED emphasized that legitimate arrests under PMLA occur physically after proper legal procedures—digital or online arrests do not exist. This clarification follows reports of scammers exploiting public fear of law enforcement agencies.

This isn't the ED's first initiative to combat such fraud. Similar verification systems were introduced in 2021 allowing summons verification through officer details, with the new QR enhancement building upon previous efforts, as noted in the agency's 2024-25 annual report.

Experts note that these scams have evolved alongside technology, frequently employing phishing or impersonation tactics, resulting in financial losses amounting to crores. Recent ED operations investigating fake bank guarantees and cyber frauds highlight the urgency of addressing these issues.

The ED reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling fraudulent networks and urges public vigilance.

"Do not fall prey to fraudsters impersonating Enforcement Directorate officers," the release advised.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious communications to local police or cyber cells immediately.

As digital interactions continue to increase, such verification tools empower individuals to quickly authenticate official documents, potentially reducing successful scam attempts.