Cases of cyber threats and blackmail targeting the Indian diaspora in the United States have risen sharply, with official data showing a dramatic increase in complaints over the past year.
Figures from the Ministry of External Affairs indicate that reported cases climbed from just eight in 2024 to 613 in 2025. According to The Times of India, immigration lawyers, consultants and members of the diaspora attribute the rise to heightened scrutiny and policy changes introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump in 2025.
Impersonation of Authorities and Legal Threats
Victims have reported receiving calls from individuals posing as officials from US immigration agencies, including the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In several cases, callers cited discrepancies in immigration records and threatened deportation or legal action.
Some scammers also presented themselves as representatives of law firms or even the Indian embassy, adding to the credibility of their claims. A student from Hyderabad living in Texas said the callers questioned him aggressively about his admission status and warned of arrest if he did not comply.
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Targeting Families and Using Emotional Pressure
In certain instances, scammers extended their tactics to family members in India. One immigrant from Hyderabad in Delaware said callers informed his parents that he had been arrested for theft and even played a voice that resembled him crying.
The victim’s father transferred Rs 50,000 before realising the fraud when further demands were made for an additional one lakh. Such cases highlight the use of emotional manipulation and impersonation to pressure victims into making immediate payments.
Growing Vulnerability Amid Policy Uncertainty
Experts say recent policy changes have created uncertainty among visa holders, making them more susceptible to fraud. The schemes often exploit fears around immigration status, including issues such as SEVIS terminations, visa revocations, delays in renewals, and the lack of availability of visa appointments for H-1B and H-4 nationals.
An immigration attorney based in Washington, Ana Gabriela Urizar, said there has been a noticeable rise in scams targeting F-1 students and H-1B visa holders. She noted that attackers take advantage of confusion and anxiety to extract personal and financial information.
Experts have urged individuals to independently verify such claims through official channels and to avoid sharing sensitive information over unsolicited calls.
