Indian Student in the US Loses $5,000 to Sham Immigration Officers
Amid increasing immigration enforcement in the United States, fraudulent calls impersonating federal officers are on the rise. Shreya Bedi, an Indian student pursuing her Master's degree in Indiana, recently fell victim to one such scam where impersonators posing as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents coerced her into paying $5,000 through gift cards.
A Disturbing Ordeal Unfolds
Shreya arrived in the United States in 2022 on an F-1 student visa. On May 29th, she received a phone call from someone claiming to be an ICE agent, accusing her of violating immigration laws. Under the threat of immediate arrest and deportation, she was pressured to purchase multiple Apple and Target gift cards totaling $5,000 as 'bond payments.'
To lend credibility to the scam, the caller gave Shreya a badge number and directed her to verify the office details through an official government website. Convinced by the matching phone number, she remained on the line for three hours while the scammers repeatedly warned her not to hang up or seek outside help, threatening to worsen her situation if she did.
Further calls involved another impersonator posing as a police officer from the Olympia Police Department, intensifying the pressure with claims that her phone was being monitored and a warrant had been issued in her name.
The Psychological Toll and Financial Fallout
What made the scam particularly effective was the scammers’ access to Shreya’s personal information—details only authentic government agencies typically possess, such as her hometown in India, entry details to the US, and academic records.
After handing over the gift card codes, Shreya was told a police officer would collect the cards and bond documents the next day, a promise that never materialized. The whole experience left her emotionally drained and deeply anxious about her immigration status.
Financially, the loss has been devastating. Already managing student loan debt and living without family support in a foreign country, Shreya now faces significant financial hardship. The stolen $5,000 was meant to support her living expenses and secure her future in the US — plans now thrown into disarray.
A Cautionary Tale for International Students
Shreya openly admits feeling embarrassed for falling prey to the scam but emphasizes that many international students lack a clear understanding of the US immigration system, making them vulnerable targets for fraudsters.
She has since launched a fundraising campaign and urges fellow students to stay vigilant. Her key advice includes:
- You have the right to hang up and seek legal counsel immediately.
- Government agencies rarely, if ever, call individuals directly; official communication usually comes through mail.
- No legitimate agency will request payment via gift cards, bank details, or Social Security numbers over the phone.
Growing Concern Over Impersonation Scams
This scam is part of a broader surge in impersonation schemes targeting migrants as immigration enforcement intensifies across the country. On June 5th, ICE reported detaining over 2,200 individuals in a single day — the highest number of arrests recorded at once — contributing to heightened fears within migrant communities.
Experts advise migrants and international students alike to remain cautious and confirm any official communication through verified channels before taking action.
If you or someone you know encounters similar suspicious calls, report them immediately to relevant authorities and seek trusted legal advice.
