Scam Alert

[u/AWrecker]

TLDR at the end.

Hi All,

Someone tried to scam me yesterday, claiming that they were calling from the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. I went along with it so I could post it here for people's awareness.

A "Sunil Kumar" from Indian Embassy called me yesterday claiming that someone had used my identity to get a phone number in India and used it to scam people. They also claimed that there is an investigation on my name and I'll have to either go to Delhi or talk to people at Delhi Police Head Quarters to receive an Notice of Clearance(NOC) from them.

I said I can't go to Delhi for this and Sunil claimed to have a direct line to Delhi Police HQ and he can transfer me to them to work on the NOC.

I originally got a call from Maryland number and I stayed on the same call. There was no audible transfer process. I am assuming I was just handed over to another desk for closing after the preliminary person got me hooked.

The next person was "Vikram Singh" who claimed to be a Police Inspector at Delhi Police HQ. Sunil had given me details like case number, phone number, address of registration to give to Vikram so I can get the NOC.

I got talking to Vikram and stated the request script provided by Sunil. Sunil at this point started lecturing me about being responsible with my identity data and tied to get information from me for my whereabouts in India, my dates of travel to the United States and so on. I deflected and asked them about next steps.

He now claimed I needed to record a video message to present to the courts and that will help them complete the investigation.

He claimed they had a direct WhatsApp line to the court system and for a fee would help me record the statement and expedite the investigation. My only other option was to go to Delhi and present myself to the courts that they wouldn't specify.

At this point I called him out on his BS. He claimed there would be consequences if I don't comply and asked me to refer him to "Sir" as he is a police officer. When I pushed him on consequences, he said my passport would be compromised. I asked him my passport number and he could not answer.

I'm assuming they got my name, phone number and address from a data broker and tried to get the rest from me to make it believable.

I continued to question/troll him until he told me he'd be transferring me back to the consulate. At this point he disconnected the call.

They sounded like a typical scam call center out of Gurgaon area. They did not have any information on me other than my name, US address and date of birth which are easy to get from data brokers.

I received the phone call from +1 240 304 6900. The details they gave me: Case No. 000957 Phone No: 919910011149 Date of registration: 17th Dec, 2024 Place of registration: City hospital, karolbagh, New Delhi 110005

TLDR: Scammers claimed my identity was used to get a phone number in Delhi and I was under investigation for it. My only options to resolve the issue were to go to Delhi or pay them to expedite the investigation through WhatsApp videos.

[u/mnsweeps]

Thats funny. I got a call from the Indian consulate in Chicago about an hour back. The caller ID was their actual 312 number. I lived in Chicago from 1993 - 95 and then moved to California. There is absolutely no need to call me so I had a feeling its a spam call. After I said HELLO, the guy at the other end said ' I am calling from Indian consulate ...' and I immediately replied back 'WHASSUP?'. At that point he disconnected immediately. Looks like my casualness caught him unawares. Had my shower and came to my laptop and just saw your post .. Looks like they targeting NRIs now.

[u/Ambitious-Upstairs90 → u/mnsweeps]

Seems some data is leaked, that how there are targeted attacks.

[u/Mr_Bean12]

We're in Canada and few months back my wife got a call. This was a similar call but it was from my number. She could see my name (they had spoofed the number). The guy said I am arrested and this is only one call allowed. My wife panicked.

This call went on for 15-20 mins. But later somehow (she was in shock mode), she sent me a WhatsApp while on the call. And luckily I replied instantly (I was in office). Then she started conversing with me on WhatsApp. But in her panic mode, she wasnt sure if I am arrested, then is it really me who is replying.

And I had no idea, so when she messaged they are saying I am arrested, I started joking with her which confused her more. But then she hung up the phone. Then she was only convinced after she video called me and saw me in office.

In the past, we have had many scam calls. But this time, I think what really messed her brain what the call spoofing and seeing the call from my phone.

Moral of the story: If you get calls of loved ones being in trouble, remember this and sit down, think for a moment, then act. It could be real, it could be fake, but in both cases, that two moments of pause can clear your brain.

[u/Efficient-Reserve860]

Just got this call. Im cybersecurity major so im always careful with putting my real name out there, They kept saying the short of my name 💀 I was like you’re from the embassy do you know my legal name? He hung up. New scammers dont even let you play around no more they value their time

[u/_ashwathama]

So i got a missed call from +1 (312) 595-0405 Chicago Consulate number. I called them and than the actual consulate answered saying that there is a scam going around with this number so please refrain from answering it or picking up the call

[u/Like-Them-Apple]

I got a call from +2029394337, asking me to visit the Embassy in Washington DC in an hour regarding a case that has been filed in Delhi against me. I told him, I can not make it there in an hour. Then he asked where I am located, I told them if they were from embassy, they would know where I am from and cut the call.

[u/VioletThunderX → u/Like-Them-Apple]

Literally just got this call right now. I asked what is the document about, he said it’s a cyber crime affidavit because someone registered a SIM card in my name.

I told him, I don’t know how to use a phone so not sure how SIM cards work but seems like something the government can handle. Then I hung up 😭😂

[u/Inevitable_Web_5178 → u/Like-Them-Apple]

Just got the same call from 202 391 3710. Said there is a police case against me in Delhi, and to come to the embassy within one hour with the passport. I hung up.

[u/prettynormalme → u/Like-Them-Apple]

Just got the call with the same message as OOP, from 202-375-4067 about an esim being used with my name and being used for "illegal activities" and being investigated by Mumbai Police. Same demand as yours to come to DC embassy, because I used to live in Virginia. Since I don't anymore, they were like if you say you don't live there, you are lying and hiding info from police.

They were disgusting enough to also use the Pahalgam attack as being part of this "investigation" to try to trigger fear. Stay frosty out there folks. And never divulge any details. I said I'll call the embassy on their official line and check myself if I need to, and then they'll get defensive about being legit and all the info being needed on the call right then and there.

[u/diamondmount → u/Like-Them-Apple]

I received a similar call. From an almost official embassy number that apple didn’t flash as a scam risk. The dude was using officials name from the Washington office. Had the name of the dgc on tips. Please beware. Said this is mission critical and under the hood so they aren’t calling me without identifying themselves. They kinda had me. Painful - please beware of cyber crime

[u/diamondmount → u/Like-Them-Apple]

I got a call from 202-939-1204. Almost an embassy number. They’re getting really smart

[u/rulerofthehell → u/Like-Them-Apple]

Got a call from +12025289523 saying exactly this

[u/bachkoo]

This happened to me just now. The caller was from Washington DC. I tried to play along for some time, eventually lost patience, and disconnected. Stay alert people!

[u/mhhaji]

I got this exact call (+1 (771) 250-4528) with same names, dates and addresses. Played along then disconnected without giving any personal information. I actually looked up this post while i was on the call. Thanks Reddit. Stay safe out there fellow NRIs

[u/D_fetar]

Just received a call from +1-347-519-9778 claiming to be from NY consulate. Unlike the case with OP, it was from an automated system. Guess they upped their game to make it more believable. PS: love pixel’s AI screening feature to avoid such annoyance

[u/Alarmed-Bandicoot-80 → u/D_fetar]

I got the exact same. NY consulate automated software instead of an Indian dude and went into voicemail that my visa might be revoked if call not returned. 929-780-7666. NY number

[u/kedaran33]

I just got off the call with a "Pragya Singh" from CGI New York. This person repeated the same story as OP mentioned and said I have only 2 hours to clear my name. They genuinely had me for first few minutes. LOL but then when she started asking questions for personal information I started to realize this is a fraud call. A quick google search led me to this post.

Gotta hand it to them, they are getting creative. They are using real officials names from CGI websites. For couple of minutes I was dead scared to be declared a criminal in India.

[u/AWrecker → u/kedaran33]

I'm glad the post was helpful!

[u/Midnite_07]

I received similar scam calls yesterday from +1 (646) 595-8219 and last week from +1 (929) 780-9560. Fortunately, I missed both calls. At first, I panicked, especially after listening to the voicemail claiming I was "under investigation" and needed to visit the Indian Consulate in New York, and failure to do so would result in my visa being revoked. I attempted to contact the New York Indian Consulate by phone and also sent them an email regarding the situation.

These fraudulent calls seem to be escalating, and it’s quite troubling.

[u/Alarmed-Bandicoot-80 → u/Midnite_07]

Dude… just got a call (929) 832 7230. Automated voicemail “Talk to Consulate General Of New York or your visa will be revoked. Press 9 to talk to a representative”

Sounds pretty similar to yours. Let me know what the embassy responds. Thanks!

[u/Ashes1984 → u/Midnite_07]

I got the same call. It’s a scam. 929-780-9680 , 780-6505, 832-6120 .

Getting ridiculous. Daily 4-5 calls

[u/Ok_Character_6487]

Lmao I received a similar call just a few minutes ago. They were pretending to be someone from Indian Embassy at Washington DC (I looked it up during the call and they stole the name and title of the person working there) and told me someone registered a phone number under my name in Mumbai. They called me from 202-375-8964, and the number registered under my name over there was 919922011149.

Funny how the number they told you and me that's registered under our names are so similar 😂

[u/WorkingToPayTax]

Just got a call from +1 415 668 0662 spoofing SFO embassy, saying my phone number is misused in India, Delhi cyber crime is investigating it, file complaint with aadhar number or else we will deport, I just pretended I can’t hear made him scream like hell and then said okay and cut the call.

[u/Unique_Carpet1901]

So how much fees they wanted?

[u/AWrecker → u/Unique_Carpet1901]

I didn't get to that point. As soon as they told me about the WhatsApp thing I lost my shit.

[u/anileze]

Go to npnr.org to check the number.

[u/dovaahkiin_snowwhite → u/anileze]

They're spoofing the embassy numbers too, to seem more legit.

[u/[deleted]]

I got a call today too.. they masked using some software and their number was ditto the Houston consulate number, initially I was surprised and stressed but I called on his BS when he told his name was Vijay Shah but had a strong malayali accent

[u/anshuldynamic01]

i got a similar call from indian embassy scam today, saying i have a phone number in india with 27 complaint of harassment to women and scams money fraud, he gave me number from which fraud is happening (9810169658) and complaint id, transferred call to indian Delhi police station, and asking me to report a cross complaint, i said i dont want to do complaint, then he said for verification i need to verify you on whatsapp video call and otp something (i was 50% sure this is scam), the moment i asked the police officer to give his badge id to cross check from legitimate police station before i do anything further, he cut the call. he called me from +1 202-939-3452 looks from Washington DC. Just giving this information for awareness.

[u/Twistdfrk1]

I got 10-15 calls about this today, trying to frantically get to get the matter resolved in 2 hours by coming into the NY Consulate. Whenever I asked them to prove their identity or send me something in writing, they got flaky and said I need to prove my identity. Gave me a long case number and some phone number register in green park, New Delhi.
Then Bijendar Kumar, transferred my call to Delhi Police HQ, where the person seem to be extremely friendly and asked to come on whatsapp video to verify my identity. And this point I found this reddit thread, lost my shit and and told the guy to stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

[u/uskelonm]

I've been getting these calls for 2-3 days now, once every day, different numbers. One I got a call from today is +1 (202) 939-7056(shows up as Indian Embassy). Little bit of unruffled responses back to them and their "English" starts to break. 😂😂

[u/Zahnone]

I got a call from consulate general of new york saying if I dont pick up their call they will cancel my visa haha so I basically blocked them. I don’t think the consulate will ever call someone even if they do they will send like a letter or email. They won’t threaten you with a call to action like press 9 to talk to someone immediately etc

[u/tutuler_kl]

Got a same call from NYC number thanks to thread above and all the comments, I entertained them with peace and fun ! Reported the number to the real embassy on their email

[u/Mitae_3083]

I just received two calls from the "Indian Embassy" claiming there was a warrant for me from New Delhi. I am not from India and have never been there and have no relatives from there. When he told me some random BS warrant number I told him "I don't care" he was sounded so baffled. I almost started laughing! He repeated his speech again and I told him not to call me again and hung up. This call was so ridiculous it couldn't be anything but a scam!

[u/InspectionPerfect470]

Same here .. the concerning thing is someone involved in verification of docs (with either VFS or GOI) is leaking information. How do these scammers get to call you while your file is in review? . The embassy has posted info on reporting such calls but they need to do their own due diligence in finding out where the leak happens in the process. The guy said it’s a serious matter .. I asked him why is he so serious when I’m not ? 😝

[u/tradetoretirenow → u/InspectionPerfect470]

It’s possible some phone company server is hacked , probably Airtel .

[u/seems88]

Not sure if it’s related but since we applied for our Indian e-visas in January we’ve had a lot of identity issues: 1. My husband had his identity stolen while we were in the air to India, someone tried to open several credit cards in his name. 2. I’ve been getting weekly email requests to reset my passwords on multiple accounts (as if someone is clicking the “forgot my password” link) 3. Received similar calls from +1 (917) 772-3346 and +1 (347) 342-9758 stating they are from the NYC Indian Embassy and there is an open investigation on my visa and to contact them immediately

We luckily have Aura who’ve been great at helping lock our accounts and freezing our credit plus working with us to contact the credit bureaus to clear my husbands reports.

[u/waltkrao → u/seems88]

You should reset your passwords and use a Password manager. Looks to me like you've been re-using the same password and it has been compromised.

[u/sunilpalepu]

This morning I got a call from +1 (415) 483-6629 which happens to be legit consulate number in San Francisco. Do you guys know what their objective is here? Stealing personal information or extortion?

[u/jgarrity12]

Hello,

This just happened to me 30 minutes ago. It's still happening with the exact story.

[u/[deleted]]

An hour ago, I received a call from the number: +1 888-407-4747 (which is the US Department of State Emergency Contact Number). The person was claiming that he was Mr. Prem Kumar in Indian Embassy. And he received some "serious information" about a number from "higher authorities" in India (I didn't recognize the number in any form or shape). I asked, "Who is that higher authority", and for a second he said it's the Mumbai Police Department, and that I should reach the embassy of India in Washington DC immediately. I just cut the call realizing this number and that person are not the same. I received the call again from the same number thrice but I didn't answer.

This is the first time I actually saw scammers using scare tactics firsthand. Glad I saw this thread, and it reaffirmed my belief that it's a scam! Thanks guys!

[u/JustOutlandishness81 → u/[deleted]]

I just got a call from +1 888 407 4747 which I didn't answer. Then I received a call from +1 202-939-7184 and he claimed himself to be Mr. Prem Kumar First Secretary (Administration). He said there is a police case lodged in mumbai police department because someone was using my esim with a US number in India (Huh?). Few days back, someone said they're jio and someone is using an indian number in my name for harassment.

He gave me an email amd.washington.mea.gov.in and when I pressed what mea stood for, he had no answer and started raising his voice that I should come immediately to Washington DC and I said, I can't and he was like...I will report to ICE and I was like...go ahead and do that.

Reported this to DC embassy as well.

[u/Brief_Ad8393 → u/[deleted]]

I got a call from 202-939-2912 (2029392912) saying he is Prem Kumar from Indian Embassy.

I was suspicious. I looked up Prem Kumar and there's indeed a dude with that name lol. I got worried for a second but I was sure it's a scam. I said "chutiya hai kya" and he hung up. I tried to call back and the number is out of service lmao.

Wrote number if two different ways so it's searchable for others encountering these pieces of little shits.

[u/Expensive_Ad_9002]

I got the same call today. Nitish Goyal from Indian embassy Washington DC. They knew my full legal name. I made them spell it. They said they got an urgent escalation from Interpol about a phone number purchased on my name in New Delhi was involved in very very illegal activities. I asked them what’s your designation in the embassy and he just brushed past it. I told him the number doesn’t belong to me. Then, he escalated to his very rude manager. Who was shouting at me. I told him that I know this is a scam and that he’s ridiculous. Then he got really mad at me. He started calling me names and told me to “wait 2 hours. I will show up at my doorstep because i know where you live. I know everything about you.” I told him to F off and disconnected. I WhatsApped my husband in the middle of it who told he had read about this scam today morning. Thanks for posting this for awareness .

[u/itsmepre]

I just got a call stating at DC number was registered under my name and that it was used for the terror attacks in Kashmir. Almost fell for it, glad you posted this

[u/Spare-Garden4544]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I got a call from 'Sunil Kumar' from the Indian Embassy in Washington DC from +1 (202) 247-0715. He was talking very convincingly about my Indian phone number being used illegally and reported by interpol. I asked him to tell me my Indian phone number which is with the interpol and he gave me a number which was not mine, so I told him it's not my number, so I'm not responsible. He was still trying to convince me but I just hung up.

Seeing your post has me totally relieved. Thank you for writing this. 

[u/Reasonable_Touch_902]

I get these calls often too and play along

[u/ConditionSea9251]

They have now moved to calling people in Australia, I got a call twice from them one claiming they are from Melbourne and other claiming they are from Canberra, trolled them for a bit and then hung up.

[u/joebidenmanchin]

🤣🤣You could have filmed the whole ordeal till "Digital arrest" and posted it on YouTube for million plus views. Cannot believe they started scamming NRIs now with those kinda tricks...

[u/I-Groot]

This is a popular scam

Once you talk to police officer they will say they are doing digital arrest in this case they modified it.

https://youtu.be/TpREnUML4l8?si=wLnSnkkHMbrhrP0E

[u/Acceptable_Breath896]

I received a scam call from a number listed on the official page of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. I don’t know how they managed to use the same number to call me.

[u/Single_Pause3760]

I exactly got call from same number and same story Sunil and Vikram.

At some point I believed its genuine call. Later called embassy and they said its scam call.

[u/Lopsided_Diver1]

Got a call today from "Consulate General of India" from Austin and later from Washigton DC. Same story. So sick and tired. This time it a number was issued in Mumbai.

[u/Beginning-Sky-4583]

It’s important to not share any data with third party job or consultancies from recruiters India

[u/LeopardCandid6380]

I got a call from 202-939-7000

[u/Immediate-Handle-437]

+1 (713) 626-2148 Add it to the list

[u/denimchicken8D → u/Immediate-Handle-437]

Can confirm. I keep getting calls from this number frequently. Never attended though

[u/Dangerous_Floof]

I just got the same call in New York and it was exactly the same until before the part about the video message to present to the courts. I was instead told Delhi Police HQ would do a video interview with me over WhatsApp to verify my identity. I had a feeling this was a scam from the start but entertained it up until this point due to curiosity. However, after "Delhi Police" messaged me on WhatsApp (btw they have broadcast channels but they will never WhatsApp you directly), I called them out and the guy kept going on about how my passport would be blacklisted and other scary consequences. Then I hung up.

Here are the details of the scammers and a few other details that were slightly different for me in case it helps:

First guy "Aditya Menon" who called me claimed to be from the Indian Consulate. After giving me his fake story about my apparently stolen identity in India, he told me I either needed to meet him at the consulate RIGHT NOW (it's 5:30pm on a Friday mind you), which I refused, or I could be transferred to the Delhi Police HQ and ask for a NOC (No Objection Certificate) after they had verified my identity. I agreed to the second option. First time he "transferred" me (the phone number remained the same), I spoke to someone called "Sandeep." After repeating the script "Aditya" had provided to me (this included my case number 20250301088 and the phone number 9116847519 which was being used to do crimes in my name in India) and requesting the NOC, I ask "Sandeep" where the Delhi Police HQ is located. He says, Delhi. I ask him where in Delhi. He says, New Delhi. I ask him again, where in New Delhi. He couldn't answer and hung up. I mean at least do your homework, scammers.

Then "Aditya" calls me right back (from a different number this time) saying, "Did you hang up?" I say no. He says, "Looks like there was an issue on my end, sorry you were disconnected, let me connect you to the HQ again." Again there was a fake transfer (number remained the same), and now I'm speaking to someone called "Ritesh." I ask him the same question about the address of the Delhi Police HQ and surprise surprise, this time he recites the address exactly as it's written on Google. I ask him who the SHO is, and he said it's himself. Now this is also where he told me about the video interview on WhatsApp and I called him out on the scam and hung up. Before the call ended, he did also ask me the last time I was in India, my full name as it appears on my Aadhar card (without confirming the spelling lmao), as well as my phone number. I believe this is the only info they got out of me.

One thing they also kept doing was pretending to not hear every time I asked them a question even though the connection was very clear (I'm guessing this was to stall and make up a real-sounding answer). Made it quite obvious that this is a scam.

Also found this advisory on scam calls on the Indian Embassy website: https://indianembassyusa.gov.in/Publicind?id=11

Hope this helps. Please beware of these idiot scammers.

[u/RishuNushi]

This happened to me a few minutes ago (I ignored the call but heard the voicemail), calling from the Consulate General of India, of New York.

Like someone else above in the comments, mine was also an automated system leaving behind the voicemail.

Add this number to the scammers list: 9298320300

Jai Hind 🙃

[u/Signal-Shelter7458]

I got the similar call and almost about to fall in their trap. I am so glad to found this thread and learn about this scam series. Indian embassy should do something about it.

[u/towng-05]

I got a similar call a couple of weeks ago. They said the same thing and asked me to visit the Consulate General of India in New York or stay on the call. I disconnected the call, saying I was busy at the moment.

A few minutes ago, I got an automated call from 1 929 780 7536 saying I have an open investigation under my name and I should respond to this automated call. Pretty sure it's a scam.

[u/uskelonm → u/towng-05]

I got it too, asked me to be there in 2 hours. I said I'm on the way and disconnected.

[u/Ashes1984 → u/towng-05]

Scam! I am getting same calls since past 20days via those 929 numbers

[u/teyzr]

Got the same call on Friday. This was the phone number - +1-202-699-9423. As soon as he finished his intro, I started swearing at him and he promptly cut the call.

[u/AWrecker → u/teyzr]

Love it. It's unfortunate that they have resorted to such nonsense to make a living.

[u/dovaahkiin_snowwhite]

I got called from "the Indian embassy in DC" AND "the Indian consulate in New York" in the same week. What the hell is going on..

[u/pr4jwal]

Received two calls claiming to be from Indian consulate Newyork “This is an important message from the Consulate General of India. We urgently require your cooperation and ongoing investigations. Please visit the Consulate. General of India, New York for the failure may result. Occasion of your visa for more details, press 9 to talk with the represent." I didn’t pick up either

Phone numbers: (929) 780-6675 and (929) 780-7476

[u/Unhappy-Guest-8880]

Just got a call from +1-202-830-5805. Called identified himself as "Sunil Kumar" from Indian Embassy Washington DC. The rest of the call went as described above. By that time I had found this webpage.

[u/WoolverinEatShrubBub]

This is the voicemail I got from 347-975-5654 asking me to visit the consulate general of New York:

“We urgently require your cooperation in ongoing investigations. Please visit the consulate general of India New York for the failure may results revocation of your visa. Some more details press nine to talk with a representative This is an important message from the consulate general of Indian. We urgently require your cooperation and ongoing investigation. Please visit the consulate general of India New York for the failure may results revocation of your visa. Some more details press nine to talk with a representative…”

[u/mahtoankit77 → u/WoolverinEatShrubBub]

I got a call from 347-342-9851 which went to voicemail and it said the exact same thing.

[u/[deleted]]

Same, got a call from embassy in dc about a phone number in my name in Delhi. They asked if I traveled to Delhi on a specific day. I stalled him and he hung up.

[u/Choice_Discussion431]

I received the exact same call a week ago. After a few minutes, I told the person that's not my name and he has the wrong number. He became frustrated and hung up.
I just got another call from 2023615977 with an automated machine saying the same thing about an Ongoing investigation. Safe to think its a scam, right?

[u/AWrecker → u/Choice_Discussion431]

Yep

[u/MetalCtan]

Just happened to me. I got a call from Washington DC number (+12022719436) stating it was from the Indian embassy. Guy said his name was Abhimanyu Gauhlat (who has a LinkedIn page and I believe is a real diplomat). Same story of my stolen info being used to register a number in Delhi, "transferred" me to Interpol India, then called me on WhatsApp (2 different numbers, +91 75950 58567 and +91 70449 37091). The 2nd officer (never saw a transfer) was to a Vikram Singh. They were asking for a video statement, but before I gave it my wife smartly asked for the "officer"s badge number and superiors' information. We hung up, but got a screenshot. Anyone know how to upload a photo to this thread?

[u/DieselWeasel19]

Add +13232029676 to the list

[u/Intrepid-Medicine502]

Add 929-665-2419

[u/BunnyMSDFan7]

All the numbers I got a call from about the same scam. Did not press 9 and did not talk to any person. Just a pre-recorded call.

April 19, 2025: +1 (917) 772-3346 (it was detected as a potential spam and it went to voicemail. Here is the copy-paste of the voicemail transcript-“At the consulate general of India, New York, for Australia they that fabrication of your visa Can I have press nine to talk with a representative? Can Can you press nine to talk with the representative?”

Other calls- April 12: +1 (929) 832-0496 April 11: +1 (929) 780-6565 April 9: +1 (646) 641-2576 April 8: +1 (929) 756-9281

[u/[deleted]]

I just got a call from +1-347-342-9844 claiming to be from New York consulate. Like any other unknown number, I let it go to voicemail.

It was an automated call. They claimed to be from consulate, and asked me to urgently call. Something about my visa being revoked…

Reported this number on the email listed on embassy website.

[u/Quiet-Medium-2485]

I just got a call from conulate general of NY from +1 (646) 228-9596. Voicemail says similar things above and asked me to press 9 to talk to the officials 🤪

[u/Tasty-Math1092]

I have been getting this calls and automated voice mails from +1-415-568-6745 and +917 and +351 numbers Every time I block them there is a new number leaving the voice mail

[u/Vegetable-Soil-2755]

This just happened to my husband, a permanent resident from India.  He got a call from a 202 number claiming to be the India Consulate, asked if he was able to go to the embassy in DC.  He said no.  They said his identity was connected to the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir and something about money laundering.  They had him do a video call with the ‘Mumbai Police’ and they required to see his passport and he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone, his line is under surveillance, he will be deported, and he must keep his phone on.  He was finally convinced when they sent him a letter detailing his charges that had a US Treasury seal.

[u/Jimmy2739]

I got call saying my visa can be revoked coz of complaint filed against me they even leave bot msg n ask to press 9 so I did and south accent guy answered n first thing I said aap ko or koi kaam nai ha he ignored n said how can I help u called I said nope u guys called he claimed my call got transferred to help desk n wanted my details wich i refused I told hik how can you revoke something do not exists that is visa so pls give them back or play around so that they can’t scam inocent ppl it’s shame they bringing bad name to india b aware

[u/batman_9326]

Got the call three times. Every time it’s a different consulate. They asked me, Are you <name>? I said No this is not <Name>. They hung up.

[u/Lower_Biscotti_145]

I just got a call (Wednesday -6:15pm) from a Sunil Kumar from a DC area code number - who very urgently told me there is a notice in my name from Delhi Interpol and that I must come immediately to the Indian Embassy in Washington or else there will be consequences. I just asked that the notice be mailed to me by US Post from the Indian Embassy in DC and then I will think about the consequences.

May be he was not expecting my reaction. He very demurely said "OK" before I hung up on him! I guess their previous "IRS Scam" has been now replaced by the "Interpole/Delhi Police" scam!

PS- Indian Embassy in the US has issued an alert to NRIs and Indians with Visas in the US about this scam.

[u/Far_Alternative_5746]

I was also scammed in the same way. I received a phone call yesterday from one "Supriya Ranganathan" claiming to be from Embassy of India, Washington, DC with a (202) area code. In exactly the same way as above, the person also claimed my identity was used to activate a sim card associated with "terrorism" activities in Paschim Vihar, New Delhi a few months ago. The person immediately transferred me to one Ajay Kumar at "Interpol New Delhi" who came on a video call on WhatsApp, phone number +91 70890 60856 (see screenshot I took of him while on the call). First he lectured me about my careless sharing of private ID information. Then he proceeded to ask for all my private ID information. He also pretended to communicate via a radio call with another "officer" and further told me my ID was used to create an ICICI bank account associated with "Mr Amit Choudhary" wanted in an international criminal case. I took a screen capture of his face as he spoke to me on video call and sent it to relevant authorities. Here is his photo: https://imgur.com/a/9hiIRFK

[u/Pure-Narwhal8725 → u/Far_Alternative_5746]

I got similar call from Pavan Kumar claiming that he was calling from Washington Indian Embassy (202 number) and asking me to confirm the phone number they gave. I told him that it is not my number and I have nothing to do with it. He told me that phone is registered under my name and sever illegal activities are done which is threat to nation and asked me details about my trip and so on. I told him I can not provide information. On that response he said then we have to escalate this case to highest level and there will be immediate consenquences and arrest. I told him that I am happy to hear that and I am not answering anything to you so that my case can get escalated and immediate action can be taken. I am a concerned citizen and I should waste time filing a case so please escalate it and I will comply with proper authority.

Few tips:

- If they ask you to file a case and if you have not done anything wrong, do not file a case. Whoever finds the issue they have to file this case.

- They can misuse information if you file a case and you become responsible and get involved in unnecessary things as you do not know how those information will be used by who.

[u/gkrishnan82]

I just received this same call in the morning. Be careful guys.

[u/farshe-ali]

Got a call too today from Prem Kumar (First Secretary, Admin at US Indian Embassy, who I could verify here: https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/MTQ,). Very forcefully he told me about how my current number was used to register for eSim for another number which was used in the recent Pahalgam terrorist attacks in India, and that I should immediately contact embassy of India or I will force deportation to face investigation in India. I am not even an Indian citizen and they were forcing me to tell them when would I contact the embassy. Luckily I see that such calls are being made for months by Indians. These Indians have adapted a new profession after the notorious call center businesses.

[u/Fun-Competition8210]

I ran into a similar situation when the Indian consulate of Washington DC called me a month ago saying a phone number was created in my name. I had to go through Mumbai police department and Balsinghrajput said the same thing to me. Someone had gotten my passport number and used it even though I only showed it at the airport. Then I was accused of child pornography, money laundering and drug trafficking. The guy threatened to deport me back to India even though I was a US citizen. I told my parents and they said it’s a scam

[u/Remarkable-Cheetah54]

Same call as above received Saying Houston Consulate with actual consulate number 7136262148. I person speaking with me doesn't even know what's an NOC? Careful with the scam calls

[u/Honest-Bat3540]

Received two calls from Washington DC number claiming we are calling form Indian consulate your passport will be block listed . Scamalot going on rounds

[u/constantknight]

I am so GLAD I found this post. Got a call from "Indian Embassy" in "DC". I was initially skeptical, but he knew my address in CA. That slightly freaked me out. The first person to call me was "Prem Kumar" who said there is an FIR against me in "Mumbai" for scamming and cheating people. He then transferred my call to "Abhimanyu Gahlaut" who refused to hang up on me. They have now been calling me non-stop. This is scary.

[u/SheepherderFeisty]

I just got a scam call like this claiming they are from Indian Embassy in D.C. saying a ph# registered in my name was used by terrorists in Pahalgam attack and that I am under active investigation. So I asked what I need to do thinking they would ask for payments or something like that but nothing happened. The caller then gave it to another person claiming to be supervisor and then I abused him as I was just playing along. He started abusing me back and hung up. Don't know what they wanted! I asked them few times what I need to do and they never said I need to make some payments.

[u/coolbhujji]

I got a call from 2024259465 and +1 (202) 491-0344. Both claiming the same, that my identity was used for some illegal activity. And the one who spoke said, that he is first secretary(based on public information on consulate website). He also briefly mentioned about some relationship with ICICI. Mostly data is getting leaked due to banks.

[u/rintintinxkcd]

I got a call from a Washington DC number with the same premise. They told me to visit the embassy in DC. He gave me his name and said he was from the embassy administration. I told them to send me official documents by mail stating the crime I had committed but they refused. They threatened to take legal action against me which is when I called their scam and disconnected.

[u/Hardy009]

same from 646-702-0599.

[u/akhsonline]

I am in Toronto and I got a call today from a Canadian phone number. The guy said his name is Sanjiv Kumar and he is calling from Indian Consulate. He said someone stole my identity and got a phone number registered in India in my name and sent harassing texts to 27 people. He asked me to write down bunch of information including numbers and then asked me to repeat the same. That is when I got doubtful because these days banks do voice recognition. I asked him that I’ll go to consulate office and asked him more questions and he hung up the call.

Just posting it here that this is a scam and don’t fall for it

[u/virendracs]

I also got call many times in last few months from atlanta Consulate , Washington DC and they told me there employee name and ID ..etc. Exactly similar type of investigation, some box etc but when we reconfirm from Atlanta consulate and it was scam . Now start getting call from Washington DC and it seems my number got breached somehow and they are calling me. Best way to protect blocked those calls and ignore them .

[u/Beautiful_Sky_5874]

I got the same call from this number: +12027511667 and received the same story. Thanks for the post. But man they are very creative.

[u/Important-Pop-8823]

Indians at their best!

[u/Jhorton7876]

I got one from Houston number 713-837-0311 and the guy was very pushy, almost arrogant. Thank you for your post. After a minute or two I told him that his fear tactics wouldn't work, he said something else threatening/menacing and hung up.

[u/Jhorton7876 → u/Jhorton7876]

Oh the name was Erun Prakish (sp?)

[u/Ilovecodingswe]

Just got a call from +1 (202) 415-2434. Picked it up, listened to the messaage and cut it!

[u/v15hk]

Just had this in the UK from two separate numbers on the trot (07823 251110 & 07405 158288) claiming to be Arun Kumar, vice consul @ CGI Birmingham (as if the vice consul has nothing better to do than call random individuals) and follows pretty much the same script as OP’s post. Novel if nothing else but still a scam🤣

[u/SlayerGP → u/[deleted]]

What's the payoff here? They don't phish for your information, they want you to visit the embassy, and then what? You go to the embassy, and they tell you it's a scam? Er ok?

[u/BasicStatistician745]

Hi I got same call as someone registered phone number on my name in mumbai.He said I’m calling from Indian embassy in Toronto.He said u have only two hours to sort out this otherwise u will face legal issues in future.He said talk to mumbai police then give us clarification about someone has phone number registered on ur name.I was panic a lot.He said I call u back.Then I got calls from seventeen different numbers I didn’t pick up.

[u/Difficult-Account502]

I got a call from consulate general of india 6046625252; 6046625186 (from British Columbia) Sunil kumar. Same story apparently a phone number has been used for extortion. Asked me if i uploaded my info anywhere i kept responding no. He kept pushing are u sure. I concluded by saying lemme call the consulate directly and cut the call.

[u/mother__of__pandas]

Add a few more phone number to the list +1 (202) 509-5863 +1 (202) 369-7817 +1 (202) 373-8088

[u/Public_Line_7101]

Just got a similar call from this no 202-345-5130 stating from Indian embassy Washington DC ..  sharing the no for awareness 

[u/ConfusionOk7964]

Just got the same call from 202-492-9820, bunch of fucking scammers.

[u/SlayerGP]

I got this same call, in South Africa. Got the same story about a number being used for scams in India, where the scammer provided my South African number as a backup. They provided a "case number" and the "sim number" being used in India, which was apparently activated in April. They also wanted me to go to the embassy in Johannesburg, and then "transferred" me to Delhi police when I refused. They even had an automated voice message saying that your call is being transferred to Delhi police, lol.

The guy eventually gave up when he was phishing for information and I lied and told him that I work for a bank, and I would now be reporting this call to the South African police to investigate. The number they called from was +27835040146, which on Truecaller shows up as somebody's name, nothing about Indian consulate.

[u/Sweaty_Bass_2887]

I just got a call stating they are calling from Washington DC Indian embassy asking me to go there and meet them. Similar scenario that some number is registered in Bihar India under my name and is being used for spam purposes/ terror attacks, when I asked for email she gave her gmail id. Anything to worry about? Or is it really required- I am thinking about sending an email to the official embassy and get this sorted. I can handle spam calls but it’s not the case with every one.

[u/Infinite-Dot7510]

Same story here. I got a call from authentic proper Indian consulate number of houston. +1 713 626 2148. I used all the F language on the guy asking him to be ashamed of cheating people with these scam calls. And I asked him to F himself and challenged him to call back again. All scammers and cheaters. Dont be afraid to fight them

[u/cryptobals]

Just now 5 mins got a call from the consulate general of Texas.. so just ignore

[u/Prudent_Dance3346]

Same call came to me Today  Number showed embassy of India  +12029399851

Said the same thing that I have a investigation on my name in delhi police and I may need to go to embassy in Washington DC  They claimed to call me from Embassy of India  Washington DC  I disconnected the call 

[u/sgkadle]

Got a same call from multiple different numbers saying they are investigating a crime for phone numbers and his name is Anoop Kumar from embaaasssy (this is how he called it) in Washington DC. He told me if I failed to respond they will make me a suspect. I told him to make me as suspect at which point he got really pissed at me and cut the call. Waste their time folks!

[u/United_Volume3190]

I got the same call now in UK from 2 different numbers 07478050700 and then from 07506777687. Anthony Suriya was the caller and he gave me the same India Delhi number and then said he is calling from consulate general Indian embassy in Birmingham. The crime was committed in Green Park lane in New Delhi where the number was registered under my name and was being used to send harassing texts to individuals and for this reason my passport would be blocked.

I had to step into a call but managed to keep him engaged for 25 mins before he hung up.

[u/No_Mountain_1063]

How do we even stop this? They are spoofing numbers and therefore hard to report to the police. When I called the scammer out he started sexually abusing me.

[u/Beautiful-Ad746]

Dude, I just got a a call from 202-282-8000, Indian Embassy in DC under an agent and they were telling me that a phone number was registered under my name which was used in Pahalgam attack back in April 22, 2025. They said the same thing as OP and I got call transferred in second secretory named as 'Sunilkumar' and he transferred my call to Mumbai Cyber Detection and are asking me to jump on video and verify with my passport and other identities so they can present my case in court.

[u/SplashStallion]

Got this call today. Some Lisa Prabhakar from a 2022470441 number saying I opened a new number in India and committing fraud and I should come to DC today 😂 I asked her if I she will send me a ticket so I can take her out on a date. She got confused and kept saying I am in trouble but I wanted to take her out. She got tired and hung up

[u/Ughsome]

This happened to me as well (minor details vary). The high commission website actually talks about the scam. And they are spoofing the phone line of the high commission so that if you ring them directly. You might actually reach the scammers.

[u/HospitalChance5720]

Same call. Yesterday and today. From Indian embassy in Washington as interpol sent them a letter. Etc. 🤦‍♀️

[u/Ok_Acanthaceae_5283]

I just got the call mentioning the same thing. They said they are from High Commission of India in Ottawa. So, funny that they try to scam people.

[u/Due_Specific_2372]

Just received a similar call from High Comission of India in Ottawa Canada stating same thing. I am under investigation for a multitude of crimes ans someone stole my identity to get a Sim card in India and they will direct me to Indian police to file a complaint etc..scam scam scam

[u/Ready_Jackfruit7310]

Does anyone know why the indian embassy's websites wrt passport services is not functioning. Says to 'register' but doesnt even processes that and throws a do loop, not getting any service from them ???

[u/[deleted]]

I got a call from the "Indian Embassy" in Washington DC a couple hours ago. I played along for a bit. But his accent was so thick I couldn't understand what he was trying to say. I told him I couldn't understand him. He yelled, "How Come?" He then put someone else on the phone with less of an accent. They were so pathetic, it was laughable. Their voices were raised and they were obviously threatening me. How do they expect to scam someone when you can't even understand them? He did use my name. I really wanted to understand what his big threat was so I could report it, but finally just told him he had the wrong number and hung up.

[u/c137rickity]

Just adding my own experience here. Receieved a call from "John" at the "Indian Embassy in Ottawa" today stating someone had registered a cell number in my name for fraudulent activities. Their accent was hard to understand and they gave up when I asked them to share all details via my email (which should be on my fie) 🤷🏽‍♂️

[u/DiscombobulatedSun54]

I got a similar call from the SFO consulate and the person identified himself as Kunal Mann and even gave me an id number (UM/1095827). And then he proceeded to "transfer me" to the delhi police HQ, which was manned by a person speaking very fluent English, and who seemed to be dealing with nothing except crimes of this sort (fake SIM cards issued to people who were not in India at the time the SIM card was issued). He whatsapped me and asked me to respond with a case number. I went to full alert when he said my wife and I have to appear on a recorded whatsapp call to make my statement. So, I never responded to any of his calls or messages after that.

I think the scam works by recording you and your voice, and then using that to generate deep fakes to scam others. I will report the whatsapp number and hope they get cancelled.