The Consumer Council of Fiji is advising the public to be cautious when engaging with visa consultants, as fraudulent operators are taking advantage of the high demand for migration services.
Council chief executive Seema Shandil stated that despite earlier warnings, many individuals are still being targeted by visa-related scams, often giving away substantial amounts of money without fully verifying the consultants’ credentials. This lack of diligence has allowed scammers to flourish, as potential clients fail to perform necessary checks or request proof of legitimacy before handing over their funds.
Shandil highlighted a recent incident where a group of caregiving students was approached by someone pretending to be a visa consultant on social media. The individual promised job opportunities abroad and persuaded the students to send money, but suspicions arose as further payments were requested.
An initial investigation found that several students from the same institution had collectively sent hundreds of dollars without ever meeting or speaking to the individual directly; all exchanges were made through social media.
“The ease with which these fraudsters operate is alarming and indicates a lack of vigilance among consumers,” Shandil commented. She warned that these scammers are exploiting the eagerness of Fijians seeking overseas employment and migration chances, often taking large sums in return for empty promises. She urged consumers to be cautious about sending money to individuals they have only interacted with online, insisting they verify all claims prior to any financial commitments.
“Reputable companies that want to recruit workers from Fiji will not reach out through social media or request upfront payments,” she noted. The pursuit of overseas opportunities has made many Fijians prime targets for scammers, who offer quick and simple migration routes, while victims risk losing thousands of dollars.
Consumers should take precautions, ensuring that any visa consultant they consider is registered and recognized by the appropriate authorities. It is also vital to check reviews, testimonials, and previous cases to confirm the consultant’s legitimacy and to request a formal contract that clearly states the terms and conditions of the visa services provided.
Furthermore, it is crucial for consumers to understand that no consultant can guarantee visa approvals; offers that appear too good to be true often signal a potential scam.
Anyone who has been a victim of 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 raise a query.