Toronto: The Consulate General of India in Toronto has issued a fresh advisory warning Indian nationals in Canada about an increase in spoofing and fraudulent calls linked to visas, permanent residency, immigration status and employment opportunities.
According to the advisory, fraudsters are impersonating officials from the Indian Consulate and contacting individuals under various pretexts. The Consulate clarified that such calls have no connection with its office and urged citizens not to share any personal, financial or confidential information with unknown callers.
The Consulate stated that requests for additional documents related to passports, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), visas, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, affidavits and powers of attorney are made only through official email communications. Such correspondence always includes the name, designation, department and application reference details of the concerned official.
Officials also stressed that the Consulate never asks applicants to make payments over the phone. Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious calls or activities to the relevant authorities or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Consulate raises concern over water-related deaths
The Consulate also expressed concern over a rise in water-related accidents involving Indian nationals, particularly students, across Canada. Recent months have seen several drowning incidents reported at lakes, rivers and beaches.
In its advisory, the Consulate urged citizens to exercise caution while visiting water bodies during the summer season. It advised people to avoid unfamiliar or unsafe locations, follow local safety guidelines and wear life jackets wherever required or recommended.
The advisory noted that risks associated with water activities tend to increase during the summer months and emphasized that awareness and precaution remain the most effective tools for preventing accidents.
The Consulate said the advisory had been issued in the public interest to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens living and studying in Canada.
