The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning the public to be vigilant when engaging with visa consultants, as fraudulent operators continue to take advantage of the growing demand for migration services.
Seema Shandil, the council’s chief executive, highlighted that despite earlier warnings, many consumers are still succumbing to visa scams, often transferring substantial sums of money without adequately checking the consultants’ qualifications.
This negligence has allowed scammers to flourish in this sector, as individuals fail to conduct necessary checks or request proof of legitimacy before withdrawing their funds.
Shandil cited a recent incident where a group of caregiving students was deceived by a person masquerading as a visa consultant on social media. This individual lured the students with promises of overseas job opportunities and persuaded them to send money, but concerns arose when further payments were requested.
An initial investigation indicated that several students from the same institution had paid hundreds of dollars without ever meeting or speaking to the person directly; all interactions occurred online.
“The ease with which these fraudsters operate is alarming, revealing a lack of vigilance among consumers,” Shandil noted.
She explained that scammers are exploiting the eagerness of Fijians to obtain overseas jobs and migration options, often pocketing large amounts of money in exchange for hollow promises. Shandil stressed that people should be cautious about sending money to individuals they have only encountered online and must verify all claims prior to making any financial commitments.
“Legitimate companies looking to hire from Fiji will not contact you via social media or require upfront payments,” she stated.
The allure of overseas opportunities makes many Fijians prime targets for scammers who pledge fast and easy migration pathways, causing victims to lose thousands of dollars in the process.
Consumers are advised to take precautions by first confirming that the visa consultant is registered with relevant authorities. It is also crucial to review testimonials and past cases to validate the consultant’s credibility and request a formal contract that clearly details the visa services provided.
Moreover, it is important to remember that no consultant can guarantee visa approvals; offers that appear too good to be true are often warning signs.
Anyone who has fallen victim to a visa consultant is encouraged to file a complaint with the Council through the National Consumer Helpline at toll-free number 155 or by emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org.