Some Indian nationals, who have recently arrived in or migrated to Australia, have been receiving fraudulent calls from unauthorised persons about their Australian visa / immigration status. At times the callers have even spoofed the phone numbers allotted to the High Commission of India, Canberra or its Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth or their Service Provider viz., M/s VFS Global.

These calls are not made by any authorized officials from these offices. It may be noteworthy that the Indian High Commission or its Consulates usually do not deal with the immigrant Indians regarding their Australian visa / immigration status.

The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Government of Australia and Australian Federal Police have been informed about these suspicious calls. Since, this is a matter concerning Australian Visa, it is suggested that such incidents be reported to local police authorities and a copy of report be forwarded to visa@hcindia-au.org. Guidelines are also available in the

following link: http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/migration-fraud-and-scams