The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported a massive increase in cyber extortion incidents targeting the Indian diaspora in the United States, with complaints escalating from 8 in 2024 to 613 in 2025. This rise is linked to scammers taking advantage of the uncertainty surrounding US visa policies, particularly affecting students and skilled workers on F-1 and H-1B visas. Scammers often impersonate officials from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other agencies, using deceptive tactics to instill fear and urgency in their victims. They threaten deportation or legal action, demanding immediate payment to resolve fictitious issues. The situation is not isolated to the US; countries like Cambodia and Myanmar have reported similar trends, indicating a broader global issue. To combat these scams, experts advise individuals to verify any unsolicited communications through official channels, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious activities to authorities.