The Consumer Council of Fiji is advising the public to be cautious when engaging with visa consultants, as fraudulent schemes continue to take advantage of the increasing demand for migration services. Council CEO Seema Shandil highlighted that despite prior warnings, many individuals are still succumbing to visa-related fraud, often surrendering large sums of money without adequately vetting the consultants’ credentials.
Shandil explained that this situation has enabled scammers to flourish because consumers are neglecting to conduct necessary background checks or seek proof of legitimacy before transferring their funds. A recent incident reported to the Council involved a group of caregiving students who were deceived by someone posing as a visa consultant on social media. This individual, who promised job opportunities abroad, managed to persuade the students to send money; however, doubts arose when further payments were requested.
An initial investigation uncovered that several students from the same institution collectively lost hundreds of dollars without ever meeting or speaking directly to the perpetrator, as all communication took place exclusively via social media. “The ease with which these fraudsters operate is alarming and indicates a lack of vigilance among consumers,” Shandil stated.
She added that these scammers are exploiting the desire of Fijians to find work and migration opportunities abroad, often demanding large payments for baseless promises. Shandil stressed the importance of consumers being cautious when sending money to individuals they have only interacted with online, urging them to validate all claims prior to making financial decisions.
“Reputable companies looking to hire from Fiji will not contact you through social media or ask for upfront payments,” she remarked. The aspiration for overseas employment has made many Fijians vulnerable to scammers who offer seemingly easy migration options, resulting in significant financial losses.
To protect themselves, consumers should first verify that the visa consultant is registered and recognized by the appropriate authorities. It is also crucial to check reviews, testimonials, and previous cases to assess the consultant’s credibility and request a formal contract clearly defining the terms and conditions of the visa services offered. Additionally, consumers should be aware that no consultant can guarantee visa approvals; offers that appear too good to be true are often indicative of a scam.
Individuals who believe they have been victims of visa consulting fraud can file a complaint with the Council by calling the National Consumer Helpline toll-free number 155 or emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org for assistance.