The Consumer Council of Fiji is advising the public to be wary when engaging with visa consultants, as fraudulent entities are taking advantage of the increased demand for migration services.
Council chief executive Seema Shandil noted that despite prior warnings, many individuals continue to fall victim to visa scams, often surrendering large sums of money without properly verifying the credentials of these consultants.
Shandil highlighted that this situation has enabled scammers to prosper since potential victims are failing to conduct necessary checks or insist on 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 masquerading as a visa consultant on social media. The individual promised job opportunities abroad, convincing the students to make financial transfers, but alarms were raised when further payments were requested.
An initial investigation revealed that several students from the same institution had collectively sent hundreds of dollars, having never met or spoken to the alleged consultant—communication occurred entirely through social media.
Shandil expressed concern over how easily these fraudsters operate, indicating a significant lack of caution among consumers. She pointed out that scammers are preying on Fijians’ desire for overseas jobs and migration opportunities, often extracting substantial amounts of money in exchange for empty promises. She urged consumers to be careful about sending money to individuals encountered solely online, advising them to verify any claims prior to making financial commitments.
“Legitimate companies looking to hire workers from Fiji will not reach out through social media or request upfront payments,” Shandil stated. “The yearning for international opportunities has made many Fijians prime targets for scammers promising swift and easy migration options, resulting in significant financial losses.”
Consumers are encouraged to take preventive action by confirming that the visa consultant is registered and authorized by the appropriate entities. It is crucial to check reviews, endorsements, and past experiences to validate the consultant’s credibility and to request a formal contract outlining the specific terms and conditions of the services offered.
Furthermore, consumers should keep in mind that no consultant can guarantee visa approval—any claims that appear excessively appealing are typically a warning sign.
Individuals who have fallen prey to fraudulent visa consultants are encouraged to file a complaint with the Council by calling the National Consumer Helpline toll-free number 155 or emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org to report their issues.