By: Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head – Sub Saharan Africa, VFS Global

Earlier this year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that passenger numbers in 2023 are expected to surpass the 4 billion mark for the first time since 2019.

With the surge in travel demand globally, visa applications submitted for various countries are at volumes higher than ever before. With this increased demand for visa application appointments, VFS Global cautions against scammers posing as employees or associates of an organisation; or touts who promise an early appointment at an additional cost to embezzle job-seekers and innocent customers alike.

Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head – Sub Saharan Africa, VFS Global shares some of their common modus-operandi particularly in the digital space.

It is important for applicants to bear in mind that online appointment slots are offered based on the volume of demand or forecast, and in conjunction with the Embassy’s own internal capacity planning. Once scheduled, applicants are recommended to be at the Centre 15 minutes before the appointed time to avoid missing their slot. All applicants are strongly advised to be careful of touts and fraudulent parties who falsely promise early appointment bookings in exchange for payment.

Touts could also reach out to customers via chat apps, offering simple assistance such as booking an appointment slot to apply for a visa when appointments are available online on a first-come-first-served basis completely free of cost. 

Phishing is a commonly used fraudulent attempt to acquire personal and sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details, through digital means by misusing official credentials. Considering the presence of imposter sites, it is important to be mindful to never share your personal information on an ‘HTTP’ website to begin with. Always look for websites that begin with ‘HTTPS’ when you are likely to seek or share information.

Another technique used by a scammer is to trap unsuspecting people with the false promise of overseas immigration and/or job opportunities. An all-too-frequent strategy involves a scammer using new software and other technology to clone official web pages of companies like VFS Global and mask their phone numbers, so it appears that the call has indeed come from an official line. The victim is then asked to verify the number on the official website, leading him/her to further believe the caller. The initial call is backed by fabricated job offer letters and official-looking documentation sent via email. To show acceptance of the job offer or immigration opportunity, the email states that the individual will have to make an up-front payment and share personal information to take things forward.

With the presence of location pins and information on popular social media and search platforms, many such fraudsters create a fake presence using the company credentials like logos, official name etc. and include their contact details in the details provided on these pages that deceive genuine travellers who mistake these details as the official presence of the company.

Sharing personal information such as passport or visa application numbers via public domains on the internet or social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook, is also a risk. Scammers are constantly on the lookout for such information.

Here are some warning signs that indicate a scam:

• Scammers usually request advance payments to personal bank accounts with the threat of visa application rejection or deportation.
• They seek personal information under the pretext of re-validating information in the application.
• Emails about job offers or immigration are sent from fabricated email IDs, usually via commonly used personal email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo.co.in, etc.).
• Pixelated and out-of-proportion logos are used on fabricated documentation (such as job offer letters and contracts).
• All communication stops with the scammer once payment has been made.

Tackling fraud at VFS Global

To make both applicants as well as the general public aware of fraudulent entities, VFS Global ensures adequate measures are in place including stringent data privacy norms to tackle fraud-like messages at multiple touchpoints, including:

• Prompt replies to email enquiries or complaints
• Communicating measures to detect fraud on our social media platforms regularly
• SMS and call centre voice messages
• Advertisements/posters

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About VFS Global

VFS Global is the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. VFS Global is the trusted partner of 68 client governments, operating a global network with more than 3,300 Application Centres in 145 countries. The company has processed over 264 million applications since its inception in 2001. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, enabling them to focus entirely on the critical assessment task. VFS Global has its headquarters in Zurich/Switzerland.

VFS Global is majority-owned by funds managed by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Blackstone seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for their investors, the companies in which they invest, and the communities in which they work. Blackstone’s USD 991 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets, and secondary funds, all on a global basis.

The Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, a global investment organisation, headquartered in Stockholm/Sweden, hold minority stakes in VFS Global.