The Consumer Council of Fiji has issued a warning to the public regarding the need for caution when engaging with visa consultants, as fraudulent operators continue to take advantage of the growing demand for migration services.
Seema Shandil, chief executive of the Council, noted that despite previous alerts, numerous consumers are still susceptible to visa scams, often parting with substantial sums of money without adequately verifying the legitimacy of these consultants.
She emphasized that this lack of due diligence has allowed scammers to flourish, as individuals fail to conduct necessary checks or request proof of authenticity before transferring funds.
One recent incident reported to the Council involved a group of students studying caregiving who were targeted by someone posing as a visa consultant on social media. The individual lured the students with promises of overseas job opportunities, convincing them to make money transfers, but suspicions arose when further payments were demanded.
A preliminary investigation indicated that multiple students from the same school had collectively paid hundreds of dollars without ever meeting or speaking to the individual directly; all interactions took place through social media platforms.
Shandil expressed concern over the ease with which these scammers operate, pointing to a worrisome lack of vigilance among consumers. She stated that these fraudsters exploit the eagerness of Fijians seeking overseas employment and migration prospects, often taking large amounts of money in exchange for false promises.
She urged consumers to be cautious about sending money to individuals they have only interacted with online and to thoroughly verify all claims prior to making any financial commitments.
“Legitimate companies recruiting workers from Fiji will not contact you via social media or ask for advance payments,” Shandil warned. “The desire for overseas opportunities has turned many Fijians into easy targets for scammers who offer tempting migration solutions, leading to significant financial losses.”
Consumers are advised to take precautions by ensuring that any visa consultant is registered and recognized by the appropriate authorities. It’s also important to check for reviews, testimonials, and past cases to validate the consultant’s credibility, and to request a formal contract outlining the terms and conditions of the visa services offered.
Moreover, it is crucial to remember that no consultant can guarantee visa approvals—offers that seem excessively favorable are typically a warning sign.
Individuals who have fallen victim to a visa consultant can file a complaint with the Council by calling the National Consumer Helpline at toll-free number 155 or by emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org to submit an inquiry.