According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), there has been a sharp rise in cyber threats and extortion cases involving the Indian diaspora in the United States. Official figures indicate that the number of complaints increased from eight in 2024 to 613 in 2025.
According to data presented by the MEA in the Rajya Sabha, the US recorded one of the largest increases in complaints about cyber threats and blackmail targeting Indian families residing overseas.
While such incidents were minimal in previous years, they surged notably in 2025, highlighting the escalating risks faced by the Indian diaspora.
This pattern is not limited to the United States. Countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar have recorded even higher numbers, indicating that cyber-enabled exploitation of Indians abroad is becoming a broader global concern. The US stands out largely because of who is being targeted there—mainly students and highly skilled workers on temporary visas.
There have been reports of phone calls from scammers posing as officials from U.S. immigration authorities, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Homeland Security, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Uncertainty surrounding US visas is fueling an increase in scams
Immigration specialists say that recent policy shifts and increased scrutiny in the United States have created a climate of uncertainty, which fraudsters are exploiting.
An increasing number of scams are now being directed specifically at individuals holding F-1 student visas, H-1B skilled worker visas, and their dependents on H-4 visas. In addition, scammers often take advantage of fears about visa cancellations or revocations, problems with SEVIS records, delays in visa renewals, and the limited availability of visa appointment slots.
This is how people in India are being deceived
The fraudsters rely on misleading communication, modifying their phone numbers and email addresses so they appear legitimate.
They sometimes reference legitimate immigration details to build credibility, and victims are then threatened with deportation, arrest, or legal action.
They even demand instant payment to supposedly "settle" the issue.
In some instances, scammers have intensified their methods by preying on families in India. There have been cases in which parents received distressing phone calls claiming that their children abroad had been detained, with fraudsters sometimes using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated or modified voice recordings to mimic their voices.
Advice for Indians living overseas
Experts advise individuals to remain cautious and follow basic verification procedures.
Avoid sharing personal or financial information during unexpected calls. Verify any claims directly through official government websites or embassy officials. Do not rush into making payments when pressured. Immediately report any suspicious contact to the relevant authorities.
