Indian Consulate in New York Warns of Fraudulent Travel Agents

The Indian Consulate in New York has issued a warning to the Indian community about fraudulent travel agents who are overcharging for consular services and submitting fake documents. Consul General Binaya Pradhan reported that these agents have been charging up to $450 for services such as emergency certificates, which are priced at $17. This unethical practice includes submitting falsified documents related to identity and residential addresses, leading to unnecessary delays and potential legal issues for applicants.

The Consulate, serving the northeastern US states, has urged the community to avoid using these agents and instead contact the Consulate directly for services. Pradhan emphasized that there is no need to use agents, as applicants can access services directly at the Consulate or through the official website. The Consulate has also identified more than 140 fraudulent E-visa websites posing as official Government of India sites.

To streamline services, the Consulate has introduced digital tools like ‘Pramit’, ‘Bharti Chatbot’, and a mobile app. It also offers bi-monthly open houses for direct consultations with Consular Officers. Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph reiterated that VFS Global is available for visa services, reducing the need for agents.

The Consulate is also focusing on student support, providing resources and encouraging OCI card applications as a permanent visa option. For further assistance, community members are advised to utilize the Consulate’s official channels.