Indian Consulate Boston Warns Diaspora About Impersonation Scam Calls

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New Delhi: The Consulate General of India in Boston has issued a public warning to the Indian diaspora and local residents regarding an increase in fraudulent calls where perpetrators impersonate representatives of Indian diplomatic missions and law enforcement bodies.

Rising Impersonation Scam Calls

The advisory emphasizes that individuals should not disclose personal details, transfer funds, or comply with demands made via phone or video calls. The Consulate reported that scammers are using falsified phone numbers to mimic official communication channels, claiming to represent the Indian Embassy, Consulate General, or agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), police, and Customs authorities.

Scammer Tactics and Threats

These fraudsters employ intimidation tactics and fabricated legal threats to coerce victims into revealing sensitive information or making payments. Common tactics include allegations that a victim’s SIM card has been used for illicit activities in India, issues with passports, visas, or immigration documents, or links to hawala transactions or money laundering. Victims are often pressured with threats of arrest, deportation, or legal action unless they meet the callers’ demands.

Consulate’s Official Stance

The Consulate highlighted that scammers frequently instruct victims to isolate themselves, join video calls, or act without consulting family members. Fraudsters may request copies of passports, identity documents, banking details, and other personal information, which can later be exploited for financial fraud, identity theft, or blackmail. The Consulate explicitly stated that it does not request payments, financial data, or video calls for verification over the phone. All official communications are conducted through verified channels.

Public Advice and Reporting

The mission clarified that genuine law enforcement agencies do not investigate cases via telephone or video calls. Agencies such as the CBI, ED, police, and Customs authorities do not perform digital arrests or request money transfers through bank accounts, digital platforms, or cryptocurrency to resolve legal matters. The Consulate advised recipients of such calls to disconnect immediately, avoid sharing personal or financial information, refuse to join video calls, and refrain from making payments. The public is urged to report suspicious calls to local law enforcement and notify the Consulate General of India in Boston through official channels for further assistance.

Expert Insight

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh noted that impersonation scams increasingly leverage fear and fabricated legal threats rather than technical hacking. He recommended verifying any communication claiming to be from government authorities through official websites or verified contact details, emphasizing that no legitimate entity would demand financial transactions or sensitive information via unsolicited calls.