BLOOMINGTON, IN – An Indian student pursuing her Master’s degree at Indiana University Bloomington fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam orchestrated by individuals impersonating U.S. immigration officers.
Shreya Bedi, in the U.S. on an F-1 visa since 2022, was coerced into purchasing $5,000 worth of Apple and Target gift cards by scammers who claimed she had violated immigration laws. The imposters, posing as agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a local police department, used real government contact details, badge numbers, and personal information to appear credible.
The scammers kept her on the phone for over three hours, warning that disconnecting the call or informing anyone would worsen her situation. She was told the gift cards were a bond payment to avoid arrest and deportation.
Bedi, who is already facing financial strain from student loans, said the experience left her emotionally and financially devastated.
“They put me through hours of psychological torture. This money was supposed to help me survive and plan my future,” she said.
She is now warning other international students to be vigilant and is raising funds through GoFundMe.
“No real government agency will ever ask for gift cards or personal information over the phone,” Bedi emphasized.
Authorities are urging international students to report such incidents and seek help before taking action on suspicious calls.