Top tips to follow to avoid becoming victims of Visa Immigration Scams

by UK Immigration Lawyers in India

Published on: 02 Dec 2021
Reading time: Approx 6 mins

There is an increase in the number of scams that are being perpetrated, many of us can easily identify the everyday fraud calls and alerts when we receive them; like offers promising huge amounts of cash, winning lottery tickets for megabucks and more. It is often easier to spot these scams because of the extravagant nature of the monies/riches being promised. However, some scams can be harder to spot – making it easier for the scammers to target you. Visa immigration Scams are more common than you’d think and many do fall for them too!

Many are looking for different visa routes, some don’t know the right one for them, some can’t meet the English language requirement. These requirements make you easy targets of visa and immigration scams. It is advisable to expect such fraud attempt calls and know how to spot them! Being mindful of how much information you provide to a voice over the phone can save you from becoming victims of visa immigration scams. Know that scammers use all kinds of professional terminology and even go as far as impersonating a government officer.

They might convince you into making payment, claiming they can

  • Make your visa application faster
  • Guarantee an outcome of the visa
  • There is a problem with your application, and they will fix it once the fee is transferred.

Smart Tip

Their solution could be to offer you an easier route to getting your visa often for a fee.

Here are some tips to keep in mind so you don’t fall for immigration frauds and scams

  • If the scammers guarantee you a job overseas without an interview or even where you haven’t even applied to the company – it is likely to be a visa fraud. Because it is unusual for a company or organization to offer a job without doing an interview.
  • They may offer you help with filing immigration paperwork with the government for visa categories that do not exist.
  • They sometimes claim to be government officials suggesting a quick fee transfer to speed up your immigration process. Make sure you don’t share any sensitive information like banking details, a passport number, etc.
  • Their website doesn’t seem authentic or there will be no information about the organization.

The website or social media pages of the fraudsters will resemble those of the actual brands/companies
The address of the head office/, branch does not match the head office/branch address on the actual company websites.

In case you are suspicious, make sure to not

  • Share any personal information or believe any information they provide is accurate or correct.
  • Do not transfer money into their account without being certain about the purpose.

Make sure the company offering the job is genuine, by doing a background check on the company, asking for references, cross-checking the website from independent sources and the social media pages, looking for client testimonials on independent platforms like Google reviews, Trust pilot, etc…

Conclusion

Beware of falling for any tricks! There are many visa and immigration fraud activities going on, but being mindful of two things can help you avoid becoming a victim.

  • Be vigilant to spot a scam
  • Make sure not to provide any sensitive details like a passport number or banking details

We at SmartMove2UK, have heard several clients’ experiences of such scams and how they can now filter the real immigration experts. We keep all advice and correspondence in writing and follow all protocols involved. If you suspect being attacked by immigration scammers, consult us!

We have our offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. We consult clients from all around the world via Zoom & Skype and also have clients visiting for in-person consultations at our offices in Mumbai & Delhi.

FAQ’s

Visa fraud can be a criminal offence in certain cases.

  • If the fraud was committed within the UK, you can report it to The UK Home Office or the Action Fraud website. Send an email of the complaint to complaints@homeoffice.gov.uk
    or https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
  • If it was outside the UK, you can report the activity to your local authorities/police station e.g. Cyber Cell in India.