75x jump in scams hits Indians in US amid visa crackdown: Govt data

Complaints jump from 8 to 613 in a year as scammers exploit visa fears among Indians in the US

Cyber fraud and blackmail cases targeting Indians in the United States have surged sharply. 

 

Official data shows complaints jumping from just eight in 2024 to 613 in 2025 — a nearly 75-fold increase, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

 

Sharp spike in complaints from US-based Indians

Data tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the MEA shows that the United States recorded one of the steepest increases in cyber threat and blackmail complaints involving Indian families abroad. 

 

While such cases were negligible in earlier years, they rose significantly in 2025, reflecting growing risks for the Indian diaspora.

   

The trend is not limited to the US alone. Countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar reported even higher numbers, indicating that cyber-enabled exploitation of overseas Indians is becoming a broader global concern. However, the US stands out due to the nature of its victims, largely students and skilled professionals on temporary visas.

 

Visa uncertainty fuelling scams

Immigration experts say recent policy changes and stricter scrutiny in the US have created an environment of uncertainty, which scammers are actively exploiting.

 

Many fraud attempts are now tailored specifically for:

 

· F-1 student visa holders

 

· H-1B skilled worker visa holders

 

· H-4 dependants

 

Fraudsters often leverage fears around:

 

· Visa cancellations or revocations

 

· SEVIS record issues

 

· Delays in visa renewals

 

· Limited availability of visa appointments

 

This combination of technical jargon and real policy concerns makes the scams appear credible, increasing the likelihood of victims complying.

 

How these scams operate

Reported cases suggest a consistent pattern in how these frauds are executed:

 

· Impersonation of authorities: Callers pose as officials from US immigration agencies or law enforcement bodies

 

· Spoofed communication: Phone numbers and emails are manipulated to appear legitimate

 

· Use of personal data: Scammers sometimes reference real immigration details to build trust

 

· Threat tactics: Victims are warned of deportation, arrest, or legal action

 

· Urgency pressure: Immediate payment is demanded to “resolve” the issue

 

In some instances, fraudsters have gone a step further by targeting families in India. There have been cases where parents received distress calls claiming their children abroad had been arrested, sometimes using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated or manipulated voice recordings to mimic them.

 

Financial and emotional impact

The consequences are not limited to financial loss. Victims often experience significant psychological stress due to the fear of immigration violations.

 

Payments are typically demanded through:

 

· Wire transfers

 

· Gift cards

 

· Cryptocurrency

 

Once money is transferred, recovery is rare, and scammers often continue to demand additional payments.

 

Government support mechanisms

The MEA has indicated that several systems are in place to assist distressed Indians abroad. These include:

 

· MADAD portal for consular grievances

 

· e-Migrate platform for overseas employment tracking

 

· 24x7 helplines operated by Indian missions

 

· Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras for on-ground support

 

Additionally, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is available at Indian missions to provide assistance in distress situations. The fund supports:

 

· Emergency financial aid

 

· Legal assistance in select cases

 

· Help for detained or distressed individuals

 

· Support for vulnerable groups, including women

 

What Indian migrants should do

Experts advise that individuals should remain cautious and follow basic verification steps:

 

· Do not share personal or financial information over unsolicited calls

 

· Verify claims directly through official government websites or embassy contacts

 

· Avoid making urgent payments under pressure

 

· Report suspicious communication to authorities immediately

 

The sharp rise in such cases highlights a growing vulnerability within the Indian diaspora, particularly in high-stakes immigration environments. As mobility increases and visa regimes tighten, cyber fraud targeting migrants is likely to remain a persistent risk.