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Indian Consulate in NY issues community alert on rising fraud
Fake letter using consulate official’s name triggers alert on rising impersonation scams targeting diaspora
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Avani Acharya - Fri, 17, Apr 2026
- 11:41 EDT
- 31
Screengrab from Consulate Video / X/@IndiainNewYork
The Consulate General of India in New York has issued a public warning after a fraud attempt involving a fake letter allegedly used to extort money from a member of the Indian American community.
In a video message shared by the mission, Consul General Binaya Pradhan described the incident as deeply concerning and urged community members to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scams.
“Today I came across a very disturbing incident where a fake letter issued with my name and letterhead was used to extort money from a community member. This is truly shocking that members of our community are falling victim to scams such as people impersonating consulate officials, fake letters bearing our letterhead or fraudulent telephone calls,” Pradhan said.
The warning comes amid a broader pattern of fraud schemes targeting Indian diaspora communities in the United States, often involving impersonation of government officials and urgent demands for money or sensitive information.
Important Community Alert
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 16, 2026
Scammers continue to impersonating Consulate/ Government of India officials through fake calls and letters.
Pls note: We NEVER request personal information, OTPs, bank details, or passwords.
Verify with us: cons.newyork@mea.gov.in
Report… pic.twitter.com/ECSAioqQH8
Reiterating longstanding advisories, Pradhan emphasized that no legitimate government representative would request personal or financial details. “No official from consulate or any government of India organization will ever call you or send you letters requesting personal information. We'll never ask for financial details, OTPs, CBB numbers, bank account information or passwords,” he said.
He urged recipients of suspicious communications to disengage immediately. “If you receive such a letter or call, please do not respond. Do not share any such information. Please verify with us directly if you wish. Our team will be happy to assist.”
The consulate’s advisory highlights a growing need for awareness within diaspora communities, where scammers often exploit trust in official institutions and target individuals unfamiliar with evolving fraud tactics.
Officials have encouraged community members to report such incidents and verify any questionable communication directly through official consulate channels, reinforcing that vigilance remains the first line of defense against impersonation scams.
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