Indian Consulate In Boston Issues Scam Alert

India-West News Desk

BOSTON, MA  – The Consulate General of India in Boston has warned members of the Indian diaspora and other residents about a rise in phone scams involving fraudsters impersonating officials from Indian diplomatic missions and law enforcement agencies.

In a public advisory, the Consulate said scammers have been spoofing official telephone numbers and falsely claiming to represent the Indian Embassy or Consulate.

According to the advisory, callers may claim that a person’s SIM card has been used for illegal activities in India, allege issues with passport, visa or immigration documents, or accuse individuals of involvement in hawala or money laundering cases while threatening arrest or other legal action.

The Consulate said scammers often pressure victims to act immediately, remain isolated, or join video calls. They may also seek personal, financial or identity information, including copies of official documents, which can later be used for fraud, identity theft or blackmail.

The mission stressed that it never demands payments or sensitive personal information over the phone. It also does not threaten arrest, deportation or legal action, ask people to join video calls, or require them to visit the Consulate to resolve alleged legal matters in India. All official communications, it said, are sent only through official email.

The advisory also clarified that Indian law enforcement agencies, including the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, police and customs authorities, do not investigate alleged crimes through phone or video calls, conduct “digital arrests,” or ask for money transfers through digital payment platforms or cryptocurrency.

The Consulate urged anyone receiving such calls to remain calm, avoid sharing personal or financial information, refuse any payment requests, and hang up immediately. Suspected scams should be reported to local law enforcement and the Consulate at cons.boston@mea.gov.in.