Wed Oct 08 16:17:38 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India has implemented a new system for generating summonses that includes QR codes and unique passcodes. This is a measure to combat the increasing number of fake summonses being issued by unscrupulous individuals attempting to extort money. The ED also clarified that it does not conduct “Digital Arrests” and that any arrests are made in person following due legal procedures.

**News Article:**

**ED Introduces QR Code Summons to Combat Extortion Scams**

**NEW DELHI, October 8, 2025** – In a bid to clamp down on fraudulent activities, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a new system for generating summonses, incorporating QR codes and unique passcodes to verify their authenticity. The move comes in response to a surge in instances where individuals are being targeted by scammers using fake summonses purporting to be from the ED.

“Multiple instances have come to our notice where unscrupulous persons have sent summonses to individuals with the motive of cheating or extortion,” the agency stated in a release on Wednesday. “These fake summonses are often similar to the genuine ones issued by the ED, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between the two.”

Under the new system, all summonses generated by the ED will contain a QR code and a unique passcode, allowing recipients to verify their legitimacy online. The agency has instructed its officials to issue all summonses through this system, except under exceptional circumstances. Even then, summonses not system-generated can be verified by contacting the ED directly via telephone or email.

The ED also issued a stark warning about “Digital Arrests,” clarifying that they do not exist under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The agency reiterated that arrests are only carried out in person, adhering to established legal protocols.

“Scammers are defrauding the common public in the name of Digital Arrest by showing fake arrest orders,” the ED cautioned. “It is reiterated that arrests made by the ED are done after following due procedure and are done in person. There is no concept of Digital Arrest or Online Arrest.”

The new summons system aims to protect the public from falling victim to these scams and reinforces the ED’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its operations. The public is advised to verify any summons received by following the ED’s guidelines and to remain vigilant against potential fraud attempts.

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