The Consumer Council of Fiji is advising the public to be cautious when dealing with visa consultants, as fraudulent individuals are taking advantage of the strong demand for migration services.
Seema Shandil, the Council’s chief executive, noted that despite previous alerts, many consumers continue to fall for visa scams, often transferring large sums of money without adequately verifying the consultants’ credentials. This situation has allowed scammers to flourish as individuals neglect to perform essential checks or insist on proof of legitimacy before handing over their money.
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, claiming to offer job opportunities abroad, convinced the students to send money, but concerns arose when more payments were requested.
An initial investigation showed that several students from the same institution had collectively paid hundreds of dollars without ever having met or spoken with the person — all communication occurred through social media. Shandil expressed alarm at the ease with which these fraudsters operate and highlighted a concerning lack of vigilance among consumers.
She emphasized that scammers exploit the desire of Fijians to secure overseas employment opportunities, often taking large sums of money in exchange for unfulfilled promises. Shandil urged consumers to be cautious about sending money to individuals they have only interacted with online and stressed the importance of verifying all claims before making any financial commitments.
“Legitimate companies looking to recruit from Fiji will not contact you through social media or ask for upfront payments,” she stated. “The aspiration for overseas opportunities has made many Fijians vulnerable to scammers who offer quick and easy migration options, resulting in significant financial losses.”
Consumers are advised to take necessary precautions, such as ensuring the visa consultant is registered and recognized by the relevant authorities. Checking reviews, testimonials, and previous cases is essential to validate the consultant’s legitimacy, and it’s important to request a formal contract outlining the terms and conditions of the offered visa services.
Additionally, consumers should be aware that no consultant can guarantee visa approvals—promises that appear too good to be true often serve as red flags.
Those who believe they have fallen victim to a visa consultant are encouraged to file a complaint with the Council via the National Consumer Helpline toll-free number 155 or email complaints@consumersfiji.org to seek assistance.