On Tuesday, the Indian Embassy in the United States issued a warning about fraudulent calls. The advisory mentioned that scammers are calling people pretending to be the Embassy of India in order to scam them.
How the Scam Works
- Callers claim there are “errors” in visas/passports and demand payment.
- They threaten deportation or arrest if you refuse.
- Some lie about having “official information” from Indian authorities.
The caution stated, “Visa applicants have also received such calls posing as from the Embassy.”
The Indian embassy in the US also affirmed that none of its representatives call Indian or international citizens to ask for personal information.
According to the embassy, “any further evidence that is needed from an existing application is only requested through email(s) originating from the email domain @mea.gov.in.”
Protect Yourself
- Hang up immediately if asked for money or sensitive data.
- Verify independently via the embassy’s official website or email.
- Report scams to:
- Indian Embassy’s helpline,
- Local Police
