MUSCAT: The Indian Embassy in Oman has warned members of the Indian community about fraudulent calls demanding money to resolve alleged problems with passports, visas and immigration records.

In an advisory, the embassy said it had received information that some Indian nationals had been contacted by unknown callers who appeared to know details about their passport, visa or immigration matters.

The callers may falsely claim there is a problem with an individual’s records and offer to resolve it in exchange for payment, the embassy said.

It urged the community to remain vigilant, warning that such calls could be attempts at fraud, impersonation or financial scams.

Residents were advised against sharing copies or photographs of passports, Oman Resident Cards, identity documents or other sensitive personal information with unknown people. They should also avoid paying callers who claim money is needed to resolve an official matter.

The embassy cautioned that telephone numbers displayed on mobile phones could be manipulated and should not be treated as proof of a caller’s identity.

It urged particular caution when callers demand immediate payment or threaten visa cancellation, deportation, legal action, arrest, loss of employment or other consequences.

Anyone contacted by a person claiming to represent the embassy should independently verify the matter using the official contact details published on its website, the advisory said.

Those who have already transferred money or disclosed financial information should immediately contact their bank or financial institution and report the incident to the appropriate Omani authorities.

Community members can also report such incidents to the embassy at cons.muscat@mea.gov.in for consular matters and cw.muscat@mea.gov.in for community welfare matters.