PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a new AI-based chatbot named “ABHAY” to help people protect themselves from online fraud like “digital arrest” scams. The chatbot has been introduced to verify whether notices claiming to be from the CBI are genuine or fake. Officials said the service is free and aims to create awareness about rising cyber fraud cases across the country.
The senior superintendent of police, Special Task Force (STF), Ajai Singh said that fraudsters often make video or WhatsApp calls pretending to be CBI officers and threaten people with ‘digital arrest’. They also ask victims to transfer money in the name of investigation or verification. The CBI has clarified that there is no legal concept called ‘digital arrest’ in India and the agency never arrests people through WhatsApp or video calls.
People can check suspicious notices by visiting the ABHAY portal and uploading the received PDF or photo. The chatbot will instantly verify whether the document is genuine or fake. The CBI has also advised citizens to immediately report suspected cyber fraud cases on helpline number 1930.
The officials further said that the initiative is aimed at preventing panic among people and stopping cyber criminals from cheating innocent citizens through fear and fake notices.
