How to Avoid Digital Arrest Scams? ED Advises Citizens on Identifying Genuine Summons

Scammers are using new digital tricks to cheat people, including fake summons claiming to be from ED. These scams try to frighten citizens into paying money. To tackle the growing cases, ED has shared tips on distinguishing genuine summons from fake ones.

ED Warns About Fake Summons

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has advised the public to stay alert against fake summons. According to ED officials, recent incidents involve fraudsters sending fake notices claiming to be from ED to extort money. These fake summons often look like real ones, making it hard for people to distinguish.

How to Identify Genuine Summons

ED officials said that all real summons are now issued through the official system with a QR code and a unique passcode. Anyone can verify the authenticity of a summons using these features. Real summons also include the issuing officer’s signature, official seal, email ID, and phone number.

Checking Summons via QR Code

There are two ways to verify a summons. First, scan the QR code on the summons to check if it’s genuine:

1. Scan the QR code using your mobile.
2. The ED website page will open.
3. Enter the passcode mentioned on the summons.
4. If the details are correct, the site will show full information like your name, officer’s name, designation, and date.

Verifying Through ED Website

The second method is by visiting ED’s official website:

1. Go to https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in.
2. Click on ‘Verify Your Summons’.
3. Enter the summons number and passcode.
4. If correct, the site will display the authentic summons details.

ED noted that verification can be done 24 hours after the summons is issued, excluding weekends and holidays.

What to Do If Summons Isn’t System-Issued

If a summons wasn’t issued via the official system, contact ED officials:
Name: Rahul Verma
Designation: Assistant Director
Address: Enforcement Directorate, A-Block, Enforcement Bhawan, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi – 110011
Email: adinv2-ed@gov.in
Phone: 011-23339172

Digital Arrest is Completely Fake

ED clarified that some fraudsters are threatening people using terms like ‘Digital Arrest’. “There is no such law. ED arrests are always conducted publicly under legal procedures, never online or digitally,” the ED stated.
The public is urged not to trust anyone claiming to be an ED official demanding money or threatening arrest.