India’s premier investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has introduced an AI-powered chatbot to help citizens verify official notices & avoid falling victim to rising “digital arrest” scams.

The move comes amid a surge in cyber fraud cases in which individuals are falsely threatened with legal action through fake summonses and notices sent via digital platforms.

Also Read: India Expands AI Services to Villages Through Digital Public Infrastructure

CBI Deploys AI to Verify Notices and Prevent Fraud

The chatbot is built to help users verify the authenticity of communications. The aim is to provide quick, accessible verification to reduce panic among recipients of suspicious messages.

“Digital arrest” scams generally involve fraudsters impersonating police officers or investigating officers. Victims are contacted through calls or messages and are pressured into complying with fake legal demands, often leading to financial loss. The chatbot seeks to serve as a first line of defence by providing real-time clarity in such communications.

The agency noted that the tool is part of a broader effort to use technology to strengthen public awareness and curb cyber-enabled crimes.

Also Read: Perplexity Unveils Personal Computer AI for Mac, Bringing Autonomous Workflows to Users

Rising Cybercrime Pushes Authorities to Strengthen Digital Safeguards

The introduction of chatbots follows an incessant rise in cases of impersonation of government officials and misuse of digital platforms.

Authorities have flagged these scams as a growing threat, particularly targeting individuals unfamiliar with legal procedures.

Officials said that agencies do not issue arrest or summons notices through informal digital channels such as messaging apps. The chatbot is expected to raise awareness and provide a reliable verification mechanism.

The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to improve digital trust and safeguard citizens against fraud. It also signals a broader push to integrate artificial intelligence into public service delivery and law enforcement processes.