MEA warns against fake policy advisers on social media, issues public advisory

The Ministry of External Affairs has flagged fraudulent social media handles posing as policy advisers and urged citizens to rely only on official government channels

PGurus Newsdesk

July 6, 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs has warned that individuals posing as policy advisers on social media have no connection with the ministry

MEA has warned the public against fraudulent social media accounts falsely claiming to advise the ministry on policy matters and offering paid consultations

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a public advisory cautioning people against fraudulent social media accounts falsely claiming to advise the ministry on key policy matters, including trade and migration.

In a statement posted through its official MEA FactCheck handle on X, the ministry said it had identified individuals misrepresenting themselves as policy advisers while falsely suggesting they have official links with the government.

According to the MEA, some of these accounts are also offering paid consultations and sessions, claiming they can help individuals or organisations understand how to work with the ministry.

“It has come to the notice of the Ministry that certain individuals on social media platforms are making posts suggesting that they are advising MEA on policy-related matters, including trade, migration and other issues. Further, these handles are also offering paid advice/sessions on how to work with MEA. These individuals have no connection to the Ministry,” the advisory said.

The ministry urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with such accounts, stressing that any official communication or guidance should be obtained only through verified government channels.

The advisory is part of the government’s broader efforts to combat online impersonation, misinformation and digital fraud. Officials have repeatedly warned the public against social media users who falsely claim insider access to government departments in an attempt to gain credibility or solicit money.

The MEA has advised people to exercise caution before responding to offers of paid advisory services or policy consultations that claim to have official backing, reiterating that the identified individuals have no association with the ministry.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.