ED warns Against Fake Summons and Impersonation of Officers, introduces QR Code System for Verification

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has issued an official warning cautioning the public about the circulation of fake summons and unscrupulous persons impersonating ED officers by which they cheat and extort money from individuals.

The Directorate was made aware of fabricated summons resembling genuine ones issued by the ED sent by fraudsters, with recipients often unable to distinguish between authentic and fake communications.

To curb the menace, the Directorate has now introduced a QR code and passcode-based verification system to help recipients verify the authenticity of summons issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).

The agency’s newly introduced digitally generated summons system incorporates a unique QR code and passcode that is printed at the bottom of every official summons.

Under this mechanism, individuals who receive a summons can verify its authenticity through the official website of the ED.

The Directorate has stated that recipients of summons can either scan the QR code or manually enter the summons number and passcode. Once verified, the portal displays the name of the person summoned, the name and designation of the concerned officer and the date of summons shall appear, thereby confirming the legitimacy of summons.

Comprehensive Guide of Law and Procedure for Filing of Income Tax Appeals, Click Here

The verification feature will be available within 24 hours after issuance of summons, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Officials have been directed to issue summons exclusively through this secure system, except in rare and exceptional situations. Each system-generated summons will also carry the signature of the issuing officer, official email ID and phone number for correspondence.

For summons not generated digitally, recipients may verify authenticity by contacting the following official

Name of contact person: Sh. Rahul Verma

Designation: Assistant Director

Address: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), A - Block, Pravartan Bhawan, APJ Kalam Road, New Delhi - 110011

Email ID: adinv2-ed[at]gov[dot]in

Phone No.: 011-23339172

In addition to warning against fake summons, the Directorate also highlighted a rising trend of “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters pose as ED officers and claim to arrest individuals online. The agency clarified that there is no concept of digital or online arrest under PMLA and that all arrests made by the ED are carried out physically and after due legal process.

The ED has urged the public not to fall prey to impostors and to rely solely on the official verification mechanism before responding to any summons or communication purportedly from the Directorate.

The introduction of the new QR code verification system is indeed a commendable step by the directorate, marking a significant step to adopt technological means to ensure transparency and integrity.

Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates