New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a new QR code and passcode-enabled summons system to prevent citizens from falling victim to fraudsters posing as ED officials.
According to an official statement, each system-generated summons will now include a QR code, a unique verification passcode, and the issuing officer’s signature, stamp, email ID, and contact number. This move aims to ensure that only authentic communications are recognized as valid ED summons.
Recipients can verify the authenticity of a summons by scanning the QR code or entering the summons details online. The verification will be available 24 hours after issuance, excluding weekends and public holidays. Summons issued outside this digital system can be authenticated by contacting the designated ED official, Assistant Director Rahul Verma, via adinv2-ed@gov.in or 011-23339172.
The initiative follows several incidents where scammers issued fake summons and arrest orders, often demanding money or threatening “digital arrests.” The ED emphasized that there is no such thing as a ‘digital’ or ‘online’ arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and that all arrests are conducted physically and strictly as per due process.
The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance toward fraud and urged citizens not to respond to fake notices or individuals claiming to be ED officers.
ED issues summons under Section 50(2) of PMLA, 2002, and Section 37 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. The new system is expected to strengthen transparency and protect the public from cheating and extortion schemes involving forged ED documents.
