The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning the public to be vigilant when engaging with visa consultants, as fraudulent individuals are taking advantage of the increasing demand for migration services.
Seema Shandil, the council’s chief executive, noted that despite prior cautions, many consumers continue to become victims of visa scams, often surrendering large sums of money without verifying the consultants’ qualifications. This lack of scrutiny has allowed scammers to flourish, as individuals fail to perform the necessary checks or seek proof of legitimacy before transferring money.
Shandil cited a recent incident where a group of caregiving students fell victim to a person masquerading as a visa consultant on social media. This individual lured the students by promising job opportunities abroad, convincing them to send money, only to later request more payments, raising suspicions among the victims.
“An initial investigation showed that numerous students from the same institution had collectively paid hundreds of dollars, without ever meeting or conversing with the individual; all communications were conducted online,” Shandil stated.
She expressed concern over how easily these fraudsters operate, highlighting a troubling lack of vigilance among consumers. Shandil indicated that these scammers are exploiting the aspirations of Fijians seeking overseas employment, often collecting substantial amounts of money in exchange for false assurances. She urged consumers to be wary of sending money to individuals they have only encountered online and to verify any claims before committing financially.
“Reputable companies recruiting from Fiji will not reach out to you via social media or ask for advance payments,” she said. “The yearning for overseas opportunities makes many Fijians vulnerable to scammers promising simple migration paths, leading to considerable financial losses.”
Consumers are advised to take protective steps, such as confirming that the visa consultant is registered and recognized by proper authorities. It is also crucial to check reviews, testimonials, and previous cases to confirm the consultant’s authenticity and to request a formal contract outlining the terms and conditions of the offered visa services.
Moreover, consumers should be aware that no consultant can guarantee visa approvals, and offers that sound too good to be true should raise concerns.
Anyone who believes they have been scammed by a visa consultant is encouraged to file a complaint with the Council by calling the National Consumer Helpline at the toll-free number 155 or emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org.