India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, has issued a fresh warning to the public about an ongoing wave of scam calls being made under the guise of the Indian Embassy and Consulates. The advisory, released on April 11, 2025, serves as a stern reminder that these fraudulent callers are posing as officials in an attempt to extract personal and sensitive information from unsuspecting individuals.
In his message, Pradhan emphasized the serious nature of the issue and expressed concern that despite previous public notices, the scam calls have persisted. These deceptive communications are reportedly being used to solicit details such as passport information and even monetary payments from those who believe the calls are legitimate.
“I want to draw your attention to a serious issue of scam calls being made in the name of Consulate or Embassy,” said Pradhan, underscoring the urgency of the matter. He made it clear that neither the Indian Consulate nor the Embassy initiates calls to request personal details, passport numbers, or financial information from members of the public.
In fact, Pradhan was firm in stating that there are no circumstances under which legitimate Indian diplomatic missions would demand such information over the phone. “Let me reiterate, the Consulate or Embassy never issues such calls asking for personal information, passport details, or money,” he said, urging people not to fall victim to these malicious attempts.
The Consul General stressed that individuals should refrain from disclosing any sensitive personal data or making any payments in response to such calls. These fraudulent efforts are part of a broader pattern seen in recent years, where scammers target people with official-sounding calls or emails that appear to come from trusted institutions, only to use the obtained information for illegal activities such as identity theft or extortion.
“Please do not share any personal details or any money,” Pradhan cautioned, reinforcing the point that no matter how convincing the caller may sound, people must not give out confidential information. He also addressed another concern facing members of the Indian community in the U.S.—the growing presence of deceitful agents or intermediaries who charge exorbitant amounts for routine services related to visas, passports, or other consular affairs.
“Also beware of unscrupulous agents charging exhorbitant fees,” he said, highlighting the need for people to approach official channels directly, rather than relying on unofficial or unauthorized individuals for assistance. These agents often prey on those who are unfamiliar with the official process or who believe that paying extra might expedite services.
Pradhan encouraged anyone who encounters such fraudulent calls or suspicious individuals to report the issue promptly. He provided clear directions for victims or concerned citizens to reach out and share their experiences or queries. “If you face such issues, contact us on social media or write to us at [email protected],” he said.
By providing direct contact options, the Consul General aims to ensure that affected individuals can seek support without falling further victim to scams. He also urged members of the community to stay vigilant and share this message widely so that others are made aware of the tactics being used by scammers and the correct way to respond.
“Stay Alert. Stay Safe. Thank you,” Pradhan concluded, delivering a concise but powerful message that emphasizes both caution and community responsibility.
This latest advisory is not the first time the Indian Consulate in New York has addressed the issue of fraudulent calls. Over the past few years, several public warnings have been issued, often in response to waves of scam activity that specifically target members of the Indian diaspora in the United States. Scammers have frequently used fake caller IDs and spoofed email addresses to appear as though they are contacting individuals from official government sources. In some cases, the callers have threatened deportation or legal consequences unless the victim complies with their demands.
Despite repeated campaigns to educate the public about these tactics, many people—especially those unfamiliar with the procedures followed by diplomatic missions—continue to fall prey to these hoaxes. These scam calls tend to peak during key periods such as visa renewal seasons, holiday travel months, or after significant announcements from the government of India.
The Consulate’s renewed focus on this issue is in line with its broader effort to improve outreach and communication with the Indian community in the United States. In addition to responding to individual queries, the Consulate regularly updates its website and social media platforms with important advisories, policy updates, and procedural changes. It also frequently collaborates with community organizations to host outreach programs, information sessions, and town halls designed to educate and assist the diaspora.
By continuing to draw attention to the persistent threat of scam calls, the Consulate hopes to reduce the number of victims and build a better-informed community. The advisory comes at a time when digital scams and impersonation tactics are becoming more sophisticated, often making it difficult for people to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent messages.
The message from Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan serves as a timely alert and a reminder of the importance of verifying the source of any official-sounding communication. As digital connectivity increases and personal data becomes more vulnerable to exploitation, the role of awareness in protecting individuals from fraud is more crucial than ever.
The Consulate’s advice is simple yet essential: Never share personal or financial information with unverified callers. Always double-check the authenticity of any message claiming to be from an official source. Use only official websites and email addresses when communicating with the Embassy or Consulate. If something feels suspicious, it probably is—and it’s better to report and verify than to risk becoming a victim.
The Consul General’s advisory on April 11, 2025, reflects a proactive approach to tackling the persistent and evolving threat of scam calls. His clear and candid message warns against falling for fake requests for money or personal data and encourages victims to reach out for help using official channels. As Pradhan put it, “Stay Alert. Stay Safe.”