New Delhi - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched ABHAY- an AI-Based Helpbot for Authentication of CBI notices-a first-of-its-kind real-time notice verification system designed to protect the citizens from the growing menace of cyber fraud and digital arrest scams.
Cyber-enabled fraud has emerged as a serious challenge confronting India's criminal justice system. The rapid advancement of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and deep fakes have made it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated.
A particularly insidious form of cyber fraud - the 'Digital Arrest' scam - operates by creating intense fear in the mind of the victim. The modus operandi begins with a fraudulent notice that appears to be issued by a legitimate law enforcement agency. The notice falsely accuses the victim of involvement in criminal activity. Once the victim is deceived into compliance, fraudsters initiate a sham legal process, keeping the victim under surveillance for days under the guise of a 'digital arrest' — a concept that has no legal existence in Indian law.
As the citizens often face difficulty in determining the authenticity of an official notice, the CBI has developed ABHAY- placing the power of verification directly in the hands of every citizen. Citizens can access ABHAY at any time through CBI's official website www.cbi.gov.in. The verification process is simple. The person receiving a notice in the name of CBI must visit CBI's official website. Then, click on the ABHAY logo on the main webpage. The user must do an OTP verification process using his/her mobile number and then upload a scanned copy of the notice received. The chatbot ABHAY will give information about authenticity of the notice declaring it either as genuine or potentially fraudulent.
The citizens are advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes, particularly those involving so-called “Digital Arrest” tactics. The CBI emphasizes that there is no legal concept of a “Digital Arrest”. Citizens are urged not to panic or comply with such calls. Members of the public are further cautioned against fraudulent investment schemes and impersonation calls made in the name of law enforcement or regulatory agencies. Any suspicious activity should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities or cybercrime portal.
The CBI reiterates its firm commitment to taking stringent legal action against individuals and entities that assist cybercriminals by allowing misuse of banking and telecom infrastructure.
