DAPA (Digital Arrest Protection App)

Inspired by the Hindi word 'धप्पा' (meaning ‘busted’), A tool to combat digital scams.

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Overview

DAPA enables users to report financial scams and frauds efficiently via a user-friendly platform. The system facilitates the following:

1. Report a Scam: Users can provide details such as the scammer’s phone number and a brief description of the fraud. DAPA categorizes the scam and records the report.
2. Search a Phone Number: Users can check whether a specific number has been previously flagged for fraudulent activities.

With its streamlined architecture powered by AI, DAPA aims to mitigate the growing epidemic of financial scams by creating a comprehensive record of scam incidents.

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Why DAPA Matters

The Growing Threat of Financial Scams:

• India:

  • According to reports, the annual financial loss due to digital scams and frauds in India amounts to ₹60,000 crore.
  • A surge in digital adoption has inadvertently made India a hotspot for cybercriminal activities, including the Digital Arrest Scam where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to defraud victims of significant amounts.

• Global:

  • Financial scams cost individuals and businesses over $5 trillion annually worldwide.
  • An increasing number of scams now exploit vulnerabilities in mobile and social media platforms.

Spotlight on the Digital Arrest Scam:

The Digital Arrest Scam, a notable threat in India, sees fraudsters pretending to be law enforcement officials to extort money by intimidation. Victims are coerced into paying under the pretense of avoiding legal trouble. (Sources: The Hindu)

Prime Minister Modi have highlighted the urgent need to address these issues through education and vigilance.

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Why an AI Chatbot Instead of Traditional Form-Based Tools?

DAPA leverages an AI chatbot over traditional form-based tools for the following reasons:

1. Localized Language Support:

   • Users can narrate their experiences in their own local language, including dialects, through platforms like WhatsApp. The AI chatbot interprets, summarizes, and processes this information seamlessly.

2. Ease of Use:

   • Unlike rigid forms, a conversational AI provides a more intuitive, human-like interface, enabling users to express their ordeal naturally without worrying about form structure or specific formats.

3. Advanced Understanding:

   • The AI model not only captures and categorizes scam details but also creates concise summaries, ensuring that valuable information is accurately stored in a centralized database for combating scams.

4. Centralized Scam Pattern Analysis:

   • The summaries generated by the chatbot help uncover common scam patterns. By analyzing these trends, DAPA contributes to developing preventive measures and combating scams more effectively at scale.

5. Accessibility:

   • By integrating with popular platforms like WhatsApp, the AI chatbot increases accessibility, making it easier for users in remote or underserved areas to report scams.

6. Insights:

   • With AI, identifying patterns and emerging threats faster than traditional tools, thereby enhancing preventative measures.

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Features

Core Features:

• Fraud Reporting:

  • Easy submission of scammer details.
  • Categorization of the scam using AI-based inference.
  • Centralized record maintenance for tracking scam patterns.

• Fraud Search:

  • Quick lookup of phone numbers to check for prior scam reports.

Technology Stack:

• Backend: Python, FastAPI, LangGraph
• Frontend: Streamlit
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Memory: Redis
• AI Model: GROQ LLaMA 3 (Configurable)

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Setup Instructions

Environment Configuration

1. Create the environment file:

• Run the following command in your terminal:

cp example.env .env

2. Add API Keys

• Obtain [https://console.groq.com/keys] and add GROQ_API_KEY to the .env file.

3. Google Authentication Setup

• Generate a Google client secret keys [https://console.cloud.google.com/] for user authentication.
• Download the JSON credentials file and update the GOOGLE_SECRET_JSON_PATH variable in .env

Build and Run the Application

Build the application container using Docker:

docker compose up --build -d

Access the App:

• Chatbot: http://localhost:8080/
• API Documentation: http://localhost:8088/docs

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Architecture Diagram

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Future Roadmap

• WhatsApp Integration: Users will be able to report and identify scams via WhatsApp for enhanced convenience. This will be achieved through a webhook system.
• Assistance in Filing a Case: Help the user draft a complaint application and identify the nearest cyber police station.

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Contact

For improvements or collaboration, feel free to connect:
Raushan's LinkedIn Profile

Together, let’s combat financial fraud and make the digital world safer for everyone.

DAPA – Digital Arrest Protection App