Are you planning a trip abroad? Before you get too excited about exploring new cultures and adventures, it’s important to be aware of the common scams that target travelers. One of the most prevalent is the fake visa scam.

What is a fake visa scam?

These scams involve individuals or groups pretending to be legitimate visa processing agencies or government officials. They often promise quick and easy visa approvals for a fee, but in reality, they’re simply trying to steal your money.

Recent Case in India

The Delhi Police has busted a fake visa racket worth over Rs 300 crore that has generated over 5,000 fake visas in the last five years. The case involves several agents and victims who were duped on the promise of easy foreign travel. The case has stunned the authorities. But how did the whole case come to light?

The case, which involves multiple agents and victims who were duped on the promise of easy foreign travel, has shocked both authorities and the general public.

How it started?

On 2nd September 2024, Sandeep, a man from Haryana, was caught at the Delhi airport trying to travel to Italy on a fake Swedish visa. When questioned by immigration officials, Sandeep confessed that several people from his village had used similar fake visas to travel abroad. His confession was the first clue that led the Delhi Police to unravel an elaborate visa-forgery scheme that had been going on for half a decade.

Sandeep revealed that he had obtained his fake visa through an agent named Asif Ali, to whom he had paid Rs 10 lakh. Based on this information, the police arrested Asif Ali and his fellow conspirator Shiva Gautam and Naveen Rana. “During interrogation, Shiva named two other agents Balbir Singh and Jaswinder Singh, who were part of the operation. They were soon arrested,” an official associated with the case said.

Further investigation revealed that the fake visas were being manufactured at a factory located in Delhi’s Tilak Nagar, run by a man named Manoj Monga. When the police raided the Tilak Nagar factory, they found a treasure trove of illegal documents and forgery tools.

“We have recovered 16 Nepali passports, two Indian passports, 30 visa stickers, 23 visa stamps and several equipment including dye machines, printers, laminating sheets, laptops and UV machines,” said Usha Rangnani, deputy commissioner of police at IGI airport.

“This racket used to make 30 to 60 fake visas every month and each visa was sold for Rs 8-10 lakh.” She added.

Get Visa in 20 minutes?

Officials were surprised at how quickly the fake visas were made. According to Monga, he could create a fake visa sticker in just 20 to 25 minutes. The visa stickers looked so real that many victims successfully used them to travel without being identified.

The fake visa business was not a one-man show. Monga, who worked from his factory, had a network of freelance agents spread across several regions. These agents would connect with job seekers and willing travellers and convince them to pay hefty sums for these fake visas. The conversations between the agents and Monga use to happen via Telegram, Signal and WhatsApp, with encrypted platforms being used to avoid detection.

The Delhi Police has so far arrested six people, including Monga, Asif Ali, Shiv Gautam, Naveen Rana, Balbir Singh and Jaswinder Singh. But this could only be the tip of the iceberg. As Deputy Commissioner Rangnani said, “The investigation is on and we expect more layers to unravel in this operation. The number of fake visas created and sold could be much higher than the initial estimate.”

In another case, earlier this month, the Punjab Police booked twenty-five travel agents for illegally promoting employment opportunities on social media.

About the victims

According to the police statement, the victims of this scam were mainly people who were desperate to find work abroad. They would often spend their life savings or borrow large sums of money for these fake visas, only to be turned away at the airport or worse, arrested on arrival. Sandeep’s case, where he paid Rs 10 lakh for a fake visa, is not unique, many others have fallen into the same trap.

How to beware of these?

Delhi Police has advised people to go through proper channels while applying for visas. DCP Usha Rangnani said, “We urge people to be cautious and use proper channels while applying for visas. Such scams take advantage of people’s desperation, leading to devastating consequences for families.” The Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly urged citizens to verify the credentials of recruitment agents before handing over any money or documents. The ministry advised, “Individuals seeking jobs abroad are requested to use only the safe and legal services of registered recruitment agents (RAs). All registered RAs are issued a licence number, which is prominently displayed in their office premises and in their advertisements, including newspapers and social media.”

Out Tips to protect yourself

Do your research: Always verify information about visa requirements and procedures directly from the official government websites of the country you’re planning to visit. Email ID: [email protected] Toll-Free: +91 1124300666 | For USA Visa: Official website

Be wary of unrealistic promises: If someone offers to guarantee a visa or promises expedited processing for a fee, it’s likely a scam.

Avoid upfront payments: Legitimate visa processing agencies typically require payment only after the application has been submitted.

Check for reviews: Look for online reviews from previous clients to assess the credibility of any visa agency you’re considering.

Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to walk away from a situation that seems suspicious.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from fake visa scams and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Happy Voyage!

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