Indian Consulate in New York Warns Against Fraud Agents and Fake E-Visa Websites

In response to growing concerns over fraudulent activities targeting the Indian community, the Consulate General of India in New York has issued a strong advisory against using unscrupulous agents for consular services. These agents have been found to overcharge and submit false documents, leading to significant issues for applicants.

Consulate’s Warning: Avoid Fraudulent Agents

Consul General Binaya Pradhan has highlighted several alarming instances where travel agents have misused the trust of individuals seeking consular services such as visas, passports, and emergency certificates.

Some agents have reportedly charged up to USD 450 for an emergency certificate that costs only USD 17. These fraudulent activities burden applicants financially and create legal complications due to the submission of fake documents.

“We have seen cases where agents claim to have connections with the Consulate and then provide fake documents or certificates, putting community members in serious trouble,” said Pradhan.

The Consulate has urged the Indian diaspora to directly approach the Consulate for any required services, emphasizing that there is no need to use third-party agents.

Fake E-Visa Websites: A Growing Concern

The Consulate also warned against numerous fake E-visa websites that have surfaced online. These websites mimic official Indian government portals to deceive applicants. Pradhan strongly advised the community to ensure they are using the correct website for E-visa services to avoid falling prey to such scams.

Streamlining Services

To further protect and assist the Indian community, the Consulate has implemented several digital initiatives, including ‘Pramit,’ ‘Bharti Chatbot,’ and a dedicated mobile app. These tools are designed to make the application process smoother and more transparent.

Additionally, the Consulate now holds open houses twice a month, allowing applicants to meet Consular Officers without prior appointments.

Encouraging the Use of OCI Cards

The Indian Consulate also emphasized the importance of obtaining Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. He noted that while 1.5 million Indian-origin people in the Consulate’s jurisdiction are American passport holders, only 600,000 have OCI cards.

The Consulate is actively encouraging more community members to apply for OCI cards, describing them as a “permanent visa” and a vital connection to their motherland.

Conclusion

The Consulate General of India in New York is taking significant steps to safeguard the Indian community from fraud and streamline access to essential services. By urging direct applications and promoting digital initiatives, the Consulate aims to provide efficient and secure consular services to all.