Visa scam sites on rise: How they work and how to avoid them
If you are facing the holiday blues after the summer and are already planning your next vacation, book your visa appointment slot – if you need one – much in advance. That’s the advice from visa outsourcing company VFS Global as visa scamming platforms continue to soar globally. The company has reported more than 900 fraudulent websites and online platforms globally, which have been taken down,…
Visa scam websites are on the rise, posing a threat to travelers planning their trips. Visa outsourcing company VFS Global has identified over 900 fraudulent websites globally, which have been taken down. VFS reports that they receive information through emails, social media, and other reporting channels, working closely with UAE law enforcement agencies to investigate and prevent these scams.
The company has launched a #DoNotFallForFraud campaign to raise public awareness about the tactics scammers use, such as forging official credentials and email IDs. In July, Denmark's consulate in the UAE issued a warning about a surge in fraudulent Schengen visa applications, receiving approximately 10 fraudulent applications per day.
The most common tactic is impersonating an official body, creating urgency, and taking money or personal data before the applicant can verify the information. Scammers may target electronic travel authorizations, such as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), which is not yet operational. VFS and Danish consulates advise travelers to book their visa appointments in advance, avoid using unlicensed company names or posing as official bodies, and be cautious of unofficial websites mimicking official portals.
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