Digitally generated notices with QR codes, DINs and online verification systems introduced to ensure authenticity and protect citizens from impersonation

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), established under the Companies Act, 2013, investigates and prosecutes complex corporate frauds assigned under section 212 of the Companies Act.

During the course of investigation, Summons/Notices are issued by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) as per the provisions of Section 217 of the Companies Act, 2013.

In this context, SFIO has instituted the following set of technical and procedural safeguards to prevent impersonation or misuse of Summons/Notices.

Summons/Notices issued by SFIO are digitally generated and contain a QR code and a unique document identification number (DIN). The officers of SFIO are mandated to issue only digitally generated Summons/Notices except in certain rare and exceptional circumstances.

Receiver of Summons/Notices issued by SFIO can verify its authenticity through any of the following 2 options:

Option 1 - Verification by scanning QR code:

Option 2 - Verification through SFIO’s website:

The system of online verification of Summons/Notices issued by SFIO is put in place to help the receiver to instantly verify the authenticity of the communication received.

These verification systems have been put in place to give citizens immediate assurance that any communication they receive is genuine and to prevent impersonation or misuse.

Further, to enhance oversight, a transparent multi-layer review mechanism is in place at SFIO to oversee the issuance of Summons and Notices.

SFIO introduces digital summons with QR codes and DINs for instant online verification to prevent impersonation. SFIO requires summons and notices to be digitally generated with a QR code and unique Document Identification Number (DIN), with officers mandated to issue digital communications except in rare exceptional cases; recipients can verify authenticity by scanning the QR code or using SFIO's online verification portal, and a multi-layer oversight mechanism governs issuance to prevent impersonation or misuse.