Scam Calls Targeting Indian Visa, PR And Job Seekers In Canada, Toronto Consulate Warns
The Consulate General of India in Toronto has issued a fresh advisory warning Indian nationals in Canada about scam and fraud calls linked to immigration status, permanent residency, visa matters and job offers.
The advisory, dated June 8, 2026, says some Indian nationals continue to receive spoofing calls from people claiming to represent the Indian Consulate in Toronto. The consulate said these callers often raise issues related to Canadian visa, PR or employment matters, even though the consulate does not handle those files.
“Please note that this Consulate does not deal with these matters,” the advisory stated.
Indian Nationals Told Not To Share Personal Information
The consulate urged Indian citizens not to engage with suspicious phone calls made in its name. Officials warned people not to reveal personal information, share documents or transfer money in response to such calls.
The advisory follows an earlier warning issued on February 7, 2025, and comes amid ongoing concerns about phone scams targeting newcomers, international students, workers and families from the South Asian community.
The consulate said anyone who has received such a scam call should report the matter immediately to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Victims should also contact the nearest police station and provide full details.
The advisory also pointed residents to Canadian government resources on caller ID spoofing, fraud and cybercrime.
Consulate Clarifies Official Services
The Consulate General of India in Toronto said it only handles Indian consular services such as passports, police clearance certificates, visas, OCI, affidavits and powers of attorney for India.
Officials said if additional documents are needed from an existing applicant, the request comes only through emails from the official mea.gov.in domain.
In rare cases where consulate officials call an applicant, they must share their name, designation, the nature of the call and the application serial number.
“No form of payment is ever demanded by Consulate officials over such calls,” the advisory stated.
Warning For South Asian Community In Canada
The warning is especially relevant for Indian students, work permit holders, permanent residence applicants and new immigrants, many of whom deal with immigration paperwork and consular services regularly.
Fraudsters often use fear, urgency and official-sounding language to pressure people into sharing sensitive information or sending money. Community members should verify any call directly through official channels before responding.
The consulate’s latest advisory makes one message clear: Indian nationals in Canada should stay alert, refuse payment demands over the phone and report suspicious calls without delay.
