The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning the public to be careful when engaging with visa consultants, as deceptive operators are taking advantage of the rising demand for migration services.
Council CEO Seema Shandil noted that despite previous alerts, many consumers continue to fall victim to visa scams, often handing over large sums of money without verifying the credentials of these consultants.
She explained that this trend has enabled scammers to flourish, as individuals often neglect to perform necessary checks or to ask for proof of legitimacy before giving up their money.
A recent case reported to the Council involved a group of students studying caregiving who were approached by someone pretending to be a visa consultant on social media.
“Promising job opportunities abroad, this person persuaded the students to transfer funds, but doubts arose when additional payments were requested,” Shandil stated.
“An initial investigation showed that multiple students from the same school had collectively handed over hundreds of dollars without ever meeting or speaking to the person—communication was solely via social media.”
Shandil expressed concern over how easily these fraudsters operate, highlighting a lack of vigilance among consumers. She indicated that these scammers are exploiting Fijians’ desire for overseas employment and migration, often extracting significant amounts of money in exchange for false promises. She advised consumers to be wary of sending money to people they have only interacted with online and stressed the importance of verifying any claims before making financial commitments.
“Legitimate companies looking to recruit workers from Fiji will not contact you through social media or request upfront payments,” she added.
The increasing desire for overseas opportunities has made many Fijians susceptible to scammers who assure quick and uncomplicated migration routes, resulting in individuals losing thousands of dollars.
Consumers should take protective measures, primarily ensuring that the visa consultant is registered and recognized by the appropriate authorities.
It is crucial to check reviews, testimonials, and past experiences to validate the consultant’s legitimacy and to ask for a formal contract that clearly stipulates the terms and conditions of the visa services offered.
Moreover, consumers should keep in mind that no consultant can guarantee visa approvals; offers that appear too good to be true often serve as warning signs.
Anyone who has been a victim of a visa consultant scam is encouraged to report the issue to the Council via the National Consumer Helpline at toll-free number 155 or by emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org.