How to spot visa fraud from a mile away

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With the rise in fraudulent cases running rampant these days, it’s important to keep a vigilant eye on avoiding falling victim to such scams. To help spread awareness about visa fraud, VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology specialist, shares some anti-fraud and visa advisories for applicants. 

BE VIGILANT Before providing any details, ensure you are dealing with the proper contacts (Photo Freepik)

Watch out for the red flags

• Visa appointments are free. For VFS Global services, there is no charge or payment for scheduling visa appointments. Select countries may offer a nominal service fee.
• Only the embassy has authority over your visa status. Be wary of people offering guaranteed visa approval. Any decision regarding your visa application lies solely with the concerned embassy or consulate.
• If it’s too good to be true, it’s likely a scam. Don’t be enticed by deals or job offerings that claim to give bonuses or double whatever you pay. Chances are these are fabricated scams created to take your cash, or worse, your personal data. Don’t send money or information out to companies that have dubious and unverified details. 

As more Filipinos continue to seek outbound travel for either leisure or work purposes, North Asia and Philippines VFS Global head Bernard Vijaykumar also shares some common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. “We strongly encourage all travelers to apply for their visas well in advance of their intended travel dates,” says Vijaykumar. “Waiting until the last moment not only increases the risk of delays but also exposes applicants to fraudulent entities seeking to exploit their urgency.” Most countries accept visa applications up to three months before your date of travel. Some, such as the Schengen visa, accept as early as six months before your trip.

ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK Be careful when filling up your forms and ensure all documents match information provided in your application forms (Photo Freepik)

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Information mismatch: All documents must match any information provided in their application forms. Take extra care in ensuring your name, date of birth, and passport number match those in your official documents. 
2. Incorrect photo format: Each embassy has specific photo guidelines. Ensure that the photos you provided are in the right size and format.
3. Missing documents: Even a single missing document can cause a delay or rejection. Double check if you have all the required documents before sending them in for your application.
4. Unauthenticated bank statements: Certain destinations require an updated and authenticated bank statement to verify your income. Have your statements authenticated and see to it that it is up to date.

SPREADING AWARENESS North Asia and Philippines VFS Global head Bernard Vijaykumar

VFS Global operates over 3,500 application centers in 153 countries. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment. By providing these tips and information, here’s hoping you can be more aware of how to avoid visa fraudulence and have a seamless application process.