Planning to travel to the US or any other country and looking forward to book visa interview booking? If yes, then it is time to be a bit more cautious.
Scammers these days have found a new way to trap people struggling with the booking of a VISA interview.
A similar case recently unfolded in Hyderabad, where individuals aspiring to travel to the United States found their dreams turning into a nightmare. In this large-scale scam, fraudsters charged hefty fees from applicants in exchange for fake visa interview appointments.
This scam not only drained many victims financially but also raised serious concerns about the increasing cases of visa application fraud in India.
How the US Visa Interview Scam Unfolded
The scam targeted individuals struggling to secure US visa interview slots, a common issue due to high demand.
Exploiting this desperation, middlemen promised applicants confirmed interview dates for a fee, typically around ₹10,000 or more.
Once an applicant paid, the fraudsters manipulated their login credentials on the official US Department of State website, creating fake appointment letters.
At the same time, they block the victim from accessing their accounts.
As a result, applicants were unable to verify their slots and only realized they had been scammed when they showed up for non-existent appointments at the consulate.
Red Flags and Warning Signs
Victims of the scam reported the following warning signs:
- Agents demand payment upfront without any formal contract or receipt.
- Changes in account credentials, prevent applicants from logging in.
- Appointment letters that lacked official US consulate verification.
- Communications happen solely through unofficial channels like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook.
Past Visa Scams in Hyderabad
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Hyderabad has witnessed multiple visa-related frauds:
- May 2023: A gang was arrested for charging ₹5 lakh per applicant to fabricate sponsor letters and government ID cards, helping individuals appear as eligible travelers.
- April 2022: Twelve US visa seekers were caught with fake work experience letters and bank statements at the US Embassy in New Delhi, having paid ₹25,000–₹1.2 lakh to unauthorized agents.
How to Avoid Visa Scams
If you’re planning to apply for a US visa, follow these steps to stay safe:
- Book appointments only through official websites.
- Never share login credentials with third-party agents.
- Verify appointment confirmation details on the official consulate website.
- Be cautious of upfront payments.
- Learn the way of how to report online fraud in India & take quick action.
Conclusion
The Hyderabad US visa interview scam highlights the growing danger of immigration fraud.
While demand for US visas remains high, aspiring travelers must exercise caution and ensure they follow official procedures.
Awareness and vigilance are the best defenses against such scams.
