By: Dr. Avi Verma

A wave of scam calls is targeting members of the Indian community across the United States, with fraudsters impersonating officials from Indian consulates. Reports indicate that these scammers are using phone numbers that appear to originate from the Indian Consulate in Washington D.C. and other official sites as their caller ID, lending a false sense of legitimacy to their calls.

Victims report receiving calls where the perpetrators claim to be from the Indian Consulate, often citing specific names and alleging that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against them. The scammers then demand personal information, including verification of immigration status, copies of passports, and other sensitive details, purportedly to “prove their innocence.”

“They were very convincing,” said one community member, who wished to remain anonymous. “They knew my name and sounded very official. It was only when they asked for my passport details that I became suspicious.”

IndoUS Tribune reached out to the Indian Consulate in Chicago for comment. A spokesperson confirmed that they are aware of the scam and have issued an advisory warning the community about these fraudulent activities. Other Indian consulates in the U.S. have also acknowledged the issue and taken similar steps to alert the public.

“We urge all members of the Indian community to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from the consulate,” stated the spokesperson. “The Indian Consulate will never ask for sensitive personal information over the phone in this manner. If you receive such a call, do not provide any information and immediately hang up.”

Key points to remember:

• Verify the caller: Do not trust caller ID alone. Scammers can easily spoof numbers.
• Do not share personal information: Never provide sensitive details like passport numbers, immigration status, or financial information over the phone to unsolicited callers.
• Contact the consulate directly: If you have concerns, contact the relevant Indian consulate directly using official contact information from their website.
• Report suspicious calls: Report any suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement.
• Check Consulate Websites: Indian consulates across the US have posted Advisories regarding these scams. Please review them.

The Indian Consulate advises community members to remain vigilant and to spread awareness about these scams to protect themselves and their families.