Indian Consulate in New York Warns Community Against Using Fraudulent Agents for Consular Services
The Indian Consulate in New York has issued a cautionary advisory to the Indian community, urging them to avoid using unscrupulous agents for consular services. These agents have been reported to overcharge and submit fraudulent documents on behalf of applicants, leading to significant issues for the community.
Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan, highlighted that several travel agents have been exploiting people’s trust by charging excessive amounts for services such as visas, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, passports, and emergency certificates. For instance, agents have been found charging up to USD 450 for an emergency certificate that officially costs only USD 17.
The Consulate has also encountered cases where agents submitted fake documents, including falsified identity proofs, residential addresses, and utility bills, often without the knowledge of the applicants. This malpractice not only causes unnecessary delays but also puts applicants in legal jeopardy in the United States.
Pradhan emphasized that applicants do not need to rely on agents and can directly approach the Consulate for services. He also warned against using fake E-visa websites, which some applicants have mistakenly used due to their misleading appearance, closely mimicking official Indian government websites.
To further support the community, the Consulate has publicized the official fees for its services to prevent applicants from being overcharged. Additionally, digital tools like ‘Pramit’, ‘Bharti Chatbot’, and a mobile app have been introduced to streamline the process. The Consulate also organizes an open house twice a month, allowing applicants to meet Consular Officers without prior appointments.
Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph urged Indian students in the US to register on the Consulate’s portals for easier assistance in emergencies. He reassured the community that there is no need to go through agents for consular services, emphasizing that these services can be easily accessed directly or through the global visa outsourcing service, VFS.
Pradhan also encouraged Indian-origin American citizens to obtain OCI cards, noting that only about 600,000 out of 1.5 million eligible people under the Consulate’s jurisdiction currently hold these cards. He emphasized that the OCI card serves as a permanent visa and strengthens the connection with India.
The advisory is part of the Consulate’s ongoing efforts to protect the Indian community from fraud and ensure smooth access to consular services.