Fake Call Alert: High Commission Warns IndianS In Australian

High Commission Of India, Canberra. Photo: Facebook

Australia’s Indian community is being increasingly targeted by sophisticated phone scams involving fraudsters who pose as Indian police, court officials, or diplomatic staff.

The High Commission of India in Canberra on Wednesday issued an urgent warning to the Indian Australians to be vigilant. 

“The High Commission of India is actively taking appropriate steps in both India and Australia to address these fraudulent activities and protect the Indian diaspora,” the High Commission said in a post on social media. 

Indians In Australian Targeted

According to the High Commission, scammers claim the recipient is involved in legal or criminal matters in India, sometimes directing them to contact or even visit the High Commission or consulates – a tactic designed to make the scam appear genuine.

Officials stressed that no Indian law enforcement agency will ever request personal details, threaten legal action, or demand money transfers over the phone.

Recipients of such calls are urged to hang up immediately, not share any personal or financial details, and report the incidents to both the High Commission and local Australian authorities.

Scams Exploit Stolen Personal Data

These scams have become more prevalent alongside an increase in broader cyber fraud affecting the Indian diaspora. Authorities believe these scams often exploit stolen personal data and use convincing methods like voice phishing to impersonate trusted officials. 

In May 2005, the Indian Consulate in Melbourne warned of a similar scam where its emergency helpline number was "spoofed" by scammers, resulting in around 60 community members receiving fake calls pretending to be from the consulate. The consulate updated its contact details and urged vigilance.

📢 SCAM ALERT — FOR THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN AUSTRALIA

🚫 FAKE CALLS from people pretending to be:

• 👮 Indian Police

• ⚖️ Indian Courts

• 🎖️ High Commission / Consulates

⚠ They will say: “You are in legal trouble in India”, “Call/visit the High Commission to ‘verify’”, “Send money or give personal details”.

DO NOT:

❌ Share personal or bank info

❌ Send money

❌ Visit or call the High Commission if told by a scammer

✅ WHAT TO DO:

• 📞 Hang up immediately

• 📝 Report to Local Police + Indian High Commission/Consulate

• Warn family & friends

• Report to the National Anti-Scam Centre number (1300 295 695)

🔒 Stay Alert. Spread the Word. Protect Our Community.