"Hello, this is the Indian Embassy calling".

Imagine picking up your phone and seeing the Embassy of India's official number flash on your screen. You answer, only to be told — in a stern voice — that there’s an issue with your visa. You’re panicking. Deportation? Jail? Fees to fix it? It feels real. It feels urgent. But here’s the truth: it’s a scam.

The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., has issued a public advisory warning about a surge in fraudulent phone calls, where scammers pretend to be Embassy officials to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting individuals — mainly Indian nationals living in the U.S.

And the scam is getting more sophisticated by the day.

Spoofed Numbers, Real Panic

One of the most alarming parts of this scam is the technology behind it. Scammers aren’t just calling randomly — they’re spoofing the Embassy’s actual phone number (202-939-7000). So, when you glance at your caller ID, it looks completely legitimate.

Sometimes, the calls appear to come directly from the Embassy. Other times, callers simply claim they’re representing the Embassy, without the number matching. Either way, the goal is the same: create fear, gain trust, and then exploit it.

Victims report that callers often demand immediate action — claiming there are errors in a person’s passport, visa forms, or immigration records that need urgent correction. The fix? A hefty fee, payable immediately. And if you hesitate? Threats of deportation or imprisonment usually follow.

“It was terrifying,” said R.K., a graduate student from India studying in Maryland. “They knew my name, my university, and said my student visa had a problem. I almost believed them until they asked for my credit card number over the phone.”

Why Are These Scams So Effective?

Experts in cybersecurity say the scam taps into a potent mix of fear, trust, and urgency — a formula that works especially well on immigrants worried about maintaining their legal status.

Dr. Priya Menon, a cybersecurity researcher based in Washington, explains: “Scammers play on very real anxieties — visa issues, immigration status, deportation. When someone sounds official and authoritative — and your caller ID even says 'Embassy of India' — it’s very easy to panic and make a split-second mistake.”

Spoofing technology makes it simple for scammers to mask their real number, posing as trusted institutions. And once fear takes hold, people are more likely to share information they normally wouldn’t.

Real Stories, Real Losses

Unfortunately, not everyone catches on before it's too late.

In one case, an Indian IT professional working in New Jersey transferred nearly $5,000 after a scammer convinced him there was a “technical error” with his work visa, which could allegedly lead to deportation if not corrected immediately.

“They knew enough details about my employer and visa type to sound convincing,” he shared. “Only later did I realize they must have found basic information about me online.”

While some manage to spot the scam in time, many do not. And unlike traditional bank fraud, recovering money lost to wire transfers or gift cards (methods often requested by scammers) can be extremely difficult.

What You Should Do If You Get One of These Calls

If you receive a suspicious call:

• Hang up immediately — do not engage or argue.
• Do not share any personal or financial information.
• Do not trust caller ID alone — numbers can be easily faked.
• Report the call to the Embassy, providing as much detail as you can.
• Warn others — especially students, the elderly, or new immigrants who may be less familiar with scam tactics.

A Growing Pattern — Not Just Indians Targeted

While the current warning is specific to calls spoofing the Embassy of India, experts say similar scams are targeting many immigrant communities across the U.S. Fake calls from the "IRS," "Social Security," or even "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)" have been reported.

The playbook is the same: Create fear. Demand urgent action. Get money.

The only thing that changes is the agency or institution being impersonated.

A Call for Awareness — and Calm

Scams like these succeed not because people are gullible, but because they’re human. When something threatens your status, your job, or your freedom, fear can easily take over rational thinking.

That’s why officials and cybersecurity experts alike stress the importance of awareness. “The more people know about these scams, the less effective they become,” said Dr. Menon. “It’s about slowing down, verifying, and remembering: a real government agency won’t threaten you over the phone.”

What the Embassy Says

The Embassy of India has made it absolutely clear: They do not make phone calls asking for money or personal information. Ever.

“If additional documents are needed for any application, the Embassy will reach out only through emails from official addresses ending in @mea.gov.in,” a spokesperson confirmed in an email statement. “We do not contact applicants by phone to demand payment or threaten action.”

In their advisory, the Embassy urges the public to remain vigilant, to never share sensitive information over the phone, and to report suspicious calls immediately. Victims — or even those who receive suspicious calls without falling for the scam — are encouraged to email cons1.washington@mea.gov.in. Those able to provide specific information about the call (time, number, nature of the request) are asked to fill out a form and send it to cpers.washington@mea.gov.in with the subject line "INFORMATION ON SPOOFED CALLS."

Final Word: Stay Safe, Stay Skeptical

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember: No legitimate government agency will call and ask for money or personal information out of the blue.

So the next time your phone rings — and it says "Embassy of India" — stay calm, stay skeptical, and, if needed, simply hang up.

And if you’re ever unsure? Call the Embassy directly using contact details from theirofficial website — not the number that just called you.

A little caution can save a lot of trouble.