New Delhi: In a major step to tackle rising cyber frauds, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has developed an AI-powered chatbot, ‘ABHAY’, designed to help citizens verify the authenticity of official notices and protect themselves from “digital arrest” scams.
The initiative comes amid a sharp rise in impersonation frauds, where scammers pose as officials from agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and Intelligence Bureau to extort money using forged notices and threats of arrest.
CBI Director Praveen Sood said the app will serve as a critical tool in curbing such crimes. “ABHAY is a powerful solution to counter fake notices and digital arrest scams. From May 1, all CBI-issued notices will carry QR codes, which can be scanned through the app to verify their authenticity,” he said.
The chatbot, accessible via the CBI’s official website, allows users to upload summons or notices for verification. After basic authentication through a mobile number and OTP, users can submit documents in formats such as JPG or PDF. The system then analyzes the document and confirms whether it is genuine or fraudulent.
Upon accessing the platform, users are greeted with a clear warning: there is no legal provision for “digital arrest,” and any such claim is a scam. Citizens are advised to report suspicious activities on the national cybercrime portal or helpline 1930 and avoid transferring money under any circumstances.
Fraudsters often circulate fake notices via messaging platforms and emails, using forged signatures, official logos, and fabricated charges related to serious offences such as narcotics, financial crimes, or cyber exploitation. Victims are then coerced into paying large sums under the guise of legal settlements.
According to official estimates, over 2.41 lakh complaints related to digital arrest scams have been registered in India between 2022 and early 2026, with losses exceeding ₹30,000 crore. Many of these operations are linked to transnational syndicates operating from Southeast Asia.
The Supreme Court of India has ранее described such frauds as “absolute robbery” and a serious threat to human dignity.
With ABHAY, the CBI aims to empower citizens with a simple, technology-driven verification mechanism. The model is expected to be expanded to other government agencies in the future, strengthening India’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud.
