Massive Visa Fraud Busted: US Embassy Flags Indian Passport Agents in Shocking Scam

New Delhi: The US Embassy in India has flagged a major visa fraud operation involving several unauthorized passport agents, triggering a criminal investigation that could expose one of the largest document-forging rackets in recent years.

Officials confirmed that multiple visa applicants from northern India were found using forged employment records, fake bank statements, and manipulated travel histories to secure US tourist and student visas. The embassy’s fraud detection unit raised the red flag after detecting a pattern among applications filed via a handful of third-party agents.

Modus Operandi

According to sources, the agents charged unsuspecting applicants ₹50,000–₹2 lakh promising “guaranteed” US visas. In return, they produced fabricated documents and coached clients to rehearse scripted interview answers. Several of these applicants were later flagged during consular interviews, leading to immediate rejections and deeper scrutiny.

“This is not just document fraud — it’s organized deception,” said a spokesperson from the US Embassy in Delhi. “We’re working with Indian authorities to ensure the people behind these operations are held accountable.”

Police Crackdown Begins

Based on the embassy’s complaint, police have filed FIRs against five passport agents in Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana. Two of them have already been detained for interrogation. The Delhi Police Cyber Cell and Special Branch are now collaborating to uncover the network’s full scale, which could involve dozens of agents across multiple states.

Victims Speak Out

Several victims, many of them first-time travelers from small towns, said they were unaware the documents were fake. “I trusted the agent completely. Now I’m blacklisted for life from getting a US visa,” said 27-year-old Harjeet Singh from Ludhiana.

Impact on US-India Visa Relations

This scandal comes at a time when demand for US visas is already sky-high. The embassy has warned that visa processing could see delays and stricter scrutiny in the coming months, particularly for applicants from regions associated with the fraud cases.

Immigration lawyers are advising applicants to avoid using unauthorized agents and instead consult official VFS centers or verified consultants. “Any attempt to forge documents or misrepresent facts can lead to permanent visa bans,” warned attorney Rupal Mehra, a US immigration law specialist based in Mumbai.

Government Responds

The Ministry of External Affairs has vowed to crack down on fake passport agencies and has urged applicants to verify agent credentials through the official passport seva portal.

This unfolding investigation has sent shockwaves through the travel industry and serves as a stern warning: when it comes to visas, honesty is not just the best policy — it’s the only one.