India-USA, H1B-Visa: A new scam has emerged targeting H1B holders in the United States, where fraudsters falsely promise to secure Dropbox visa appointment slots for a fee.

A recent victim recounted their experience, revealing a loss of ₹18,000 while attempting to book a Dropbox visa appointment. These scams often involve fake agents who advertise their services through social media platforms and Telegram groups, claiming they can arrange appointments on behalf of applicants.

The victim explained how the scam unfolded. Initially, the agent reassured them that payment could be made only after the appointment was successfully booked. The scammer requested the victim’s account credentials and advised them not to log in for several days.

During this time, as appointment slots were being released, the victim discovered they were locked out of their account because the agent had changed the login details. When the victim reached out to the agent in desperation, the fraudster demanded ₹18,000 to proceed further. After receiving the payment, the agent disappeared, leaving the victim without an appointment.

Fortunately, with help from customer support, the victim regained access to their account. They have since cautioned others to remain vigilant, emphasizing, “Never share your account credentials. Scammers exploit our urgency for appointments to make quick money.”

Visa applicants are strongly advised to use official booking systems and monitor the visa scheduling website for available slots. While the process can be tedious, avoiding unofficial shortcuts is crucial to protect against financial loss and stress. Reporting these scams to authorities and raising public awareness are essential steps to combat such fraudulent activities.