New York: The Indian Consulate in New York has issued a strong warning to the Indian community about unscrupulous agents exploiting them by charging excessive fees for consular services and engaging in fraudulent activities.

Consul General Binaya Pradhan has highlighted that these agents are taking advantage of people’s trust. They have been charging inflated amounts for services such as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, visas, passports, and emergency certificates. For instance, some agents have charged up to USD 450 for an emergency certificate, although the official cost is just USD 17.

The Consulate has also identified cases where agents submitted false documents, including identity proof, residential addresses, and utility bills, without the applicants’ knowledge. This malpractice not only causes delays but also risks legal trouble for the applicants in the US.

Pradhan emphasized that community members should avoid intermediaries and directly approach the Consulate for required services. He also warned against fraudulent E-visa websites that mimic official Government of India pages to deceive applicants. The Consulate urges people to apply for E-visas only through the official website.

The New York Consulate, serving the northeastern US states where about 2.5 million Indians live, has implemented several initiatives to improve service accessibility. This includes digital tools like 'Pramit,' 'Bharti Chatbot,' and a mobile app. The Consulate also holds open house sessions twice a month, allowing individuals to meet with Consular Officers without a prior appointment.

Additionally, the Consulate has developed a platform to help students find internships in the US and access legal and medical resources. Of the 1.5 million Indian-origin American passport holders in the jurisdiction, about 600,000 have OCI cards. The Consulate encourages more community members to obtain OCI cards, which offer permanent visa status and a stronger connection to India.

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