Warning to Indian Nationals in Saudi Arabia: Fake Social Media Accounts Impersonating Embassy for Fraudulent Travel Schemes Between Riyadh and India

Published on December 5, 2025

In a growing wave of online fraud, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a strong warning to Indian citizens residing in Saudi Arabia. The embassy has alerted the public about fraudulent social media accounts and email addresses claiming to offer assistance with travel arrangements between Saudi Arabia and India, often asking for money. These deceptive individuals are preying on unsuspecting nationals, promising easy travel solutions. The embassy has clarified that such accounts are in no way affiliated with their official channels and that it’s vital for Indian residents to verify any communication they receive, especially when dealing with financial matters. The warning emphasizes the importance of checking official sources to avoid falling victim to this fraudulent scheme.

Rising Threat of Fake Accounts Targeting Indian Nationals in Saudi Arabia

As the digital age continues to provide conveniences, it has also opened new avenues for scammers to exploit individuals through deceptive means. Indian nationals living in Saudi Arabia are the latest victims of a worrying trend, where fake social media accounts and email addresses are impersonating official government bodies. These fraudsters promise to assist with travel bookings, but in exchange, they demand money, causing unnecessary distress to those who fall prey to their schemes.

In their recent advisory, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh clarified that they had received multiple reports about fraudulent communications linked to suspicious Twitter accounts and email addresses. These fake entities mislead individuals by claiming affiliation with the embassy and offering assistance for flights from Saudi Arabia to India. The embassy emphasized that no such services are offered by them, and any message soliciting money for such services should be treated with utmost caution.

How to Recognize Fake Accounts and Protect Yourself

To safeguard themselves from falling victim to these scams, Indian nationals are urged to follow specific precautions. The Indian Embassy has reminded citizens that their official communication channels, including email addresses and social media accounts, are easily verifiable.

Important tips to verify authenticity include:

• Email Addresses: Official emails from the Indian embassy end with @mea.gov.in. Any email that does not follow this format should be treated as suspicious.
• Social Media Accounts: The embassy’s verified Twitter account is @IndianEmbRiyadh, and only this handle should be trusted for any official announcements.
• Official Website: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh provides the complete list of contact details, including phone numbers and social media handles, on their official website. It’s always best to cross-check any communication against these sources.

Why You Should Be Extra Cautious with Online Travel Scams

The rise of fraudulent travel schemes has become a global concern, with many countries reporting similar issues. Scammers often capitalize on the urgency of travel needs, especially when a person is unfamiliar with the local digital landscape. The Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia are increasingly becoming targets for these types of fraud, especially with the increasing number of people traveling between the two countries for both business and leisure.

Fraudulent travel offers may appear legitimate, offering attractive prices or promises of fast-tracked travel services. However, these offers often require an upfront payment. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim without any assistance or compensation.

In response to these scams, the embassy has stressed that official Indian government services, including consular services and assistance with travel issues, are provided only through verified channels and at no cost to the citizen.

What Travelers Need to Know: Travel Tips and How to Stay Safe

If you’re an Indian citizen living in Saudi Arabia or planning to travel between the two countries, here are some essential tips to avoid falling prey to such scams:

1. Use Trusted Travel Agencies: Always book through established, reputable travel agencies or airlines. Avoid making bookings through third-party sites unless you can verify their legitimacy.
2. Verify Communication: When receiving communication claiming to be from an embassy or government agency, double-check the sender’s details. Contact the embassy directly through their official website or verified social media accounts.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you come across any suspicious accounts or fraudulent requests, report them immediately to the embassy or local authorities. Prompt reporting helps prevent further scams and protects others in the community.
4. Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: Scammers often offer unbelievable deals that seem too good to pass up. If it feels off or too rushed, it probably is.
5. Monitor Your Bank Accounts: If you have ever made payments to a suspicious source, closely monitor your bank or credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

By remaining vigilant and taking these proactive steps, travelers can better protect themselves from online fraud and ensure that their travel arrangements are both secure and legitimate.

Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead of Travel Scams

In the age of digital communication, it’s essential to be cautious of scams, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like travel. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has done a commendable job in alerting their citizens to the growing threat posed by fraudulent actors. By following the embassy’s advice and utilizing official channels for communication, Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia can continue to stay safe while making their travel plans to and from India.

Remember, when it comes to dealing with any kind of official matter, especially one involving money, always verify the source and be skeptical of unsolicited offers. Protect yourself and your family from falling victim to scams that continue to plague the travel industry.