The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning the public to be vigilant when engaging with visa consultants, as fraudsters are taking advantage of the increasing demand for migration services.
Chief Executive Seema Shandil highlighted that despite earlier alerts, numerous consumers still fall victim to visa-related scams, often surrendering large sums of money without adequately verifying the credentials of these consultants.
This situation has enabled scammers to flourish, as many individuals are not conducting the necessary checks or asking for proof of legitimacy before handing over their funds. A recent incident reported to the Council involved a group of caregiving students who were targeted by someone posing as a visa consultant through social media.
The person promised job opportunities abroad and managed to persuade the students to send money, but red flags arose when additional payments were requested. An initial investigation uncovered that several students from the same institution collectively paid hundreds of dollars without ever meeting or speaking to the consultant directly, as all interactions occurred exclusively online.
Shandil expressed concern about how easily these fraudsters are operating, indicating a lack of caution among consumers. She noted that these scammers are exploiting Fijians’ aspirations for overseas work and migration opportunities, often demanding large sums of money in exchange for false promises. She urged consumers to be wary of sending money to individuals they have only met online, stressing the importance of verifying all claims before making any financial commitments.
Legitimate companies recruiting from Fiji will not contact individuals via social media or require upfront payments. The desire for foreign job opportunities has made many Fijians attractive targets for scammers who fast-track migration pathways, resulting in significant financial losses.
Consumers should ensure that visa consultants are registered and recognized by relevant authorities before engaging their services. It is also crucial to check reviews, testimonials, and previous cases to confirm the consultant’s legitimacy and to request a formal contract detailing the terms and conditions of the visa services.
Moreover, consumers should remember that no consultant can assure visa approvals, and promises that appear too good to be true should always raise suspicions. Individuals who have been victims of visa consultancy scams can file a complaint with the Council by calling the National Consumer Helpline at toll-free number 155 or by emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org.