Members of the Indian community in Australia are being targeted by fraudsters who are spoofing the Consulate General of India, Melbourne’s emergency helpline number 0450 810 828 to make threatening phone calls.
Callers falsely claim to represent Indian police, courts or other authorities and allege the recipient is involved in legal or criminal matters in India. They often instruct victims to contact or visit the Consulate to make the scam appear credible.
The Consulate has clarified that it does not communicate with individuals about such matters from any mobile or landline number and never seeks personal information, payments, or money transfers by phone, email, or any digital channel.
Do not fall for these scams
- Indian law enforcement agencies do not ask for personal details over the phone.
- Ignore any instructions received through such calls to contact or visit the Consulate.
- Do not engage with the caller. Do not share personal or financial information. Hang up immediately.
Report it
Victims or targets should report incidents to the Consulate General of India, Melbourne and to local law enforcement authorities in Australia. The Consulate says it is working with relevant authorities in India and Australia to curb these fraudulent activities.
Stay alert and verify any unsolicited contact through official channels only.
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