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Migrants warned on visa scams
January 25, 2011 – A new online consumer protection resource has been launched by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). The launched protection aims to educate prospective migrants and visa applicants about migration scams and how to prevent them.
Chris Bowen, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship said that it was vital that people were aware of fraudsters’ tricks. Immigrants must be extra careful in handing over money for immigration assistance especially when applying online Australian visa. The new online consumer protection resource helps prospective immigrants to learn about migration scams on Australian visa online and safeguard against scams.
The protection resource was named the “Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud”. It is a resource kit composed of victims’ stories, tips to stay safe online, details on how to identify fraud websites and fake emails, links to consumer resources and a video testimonial. It has been developed to follow increase complaints about internet migration scams on applying visas for Australia. Some websites in the internet often appeared to be official Australian Government websites which lead applicants to false information.
Take note of some common tactics in these fraud sites. This includes the use of language such as ‘registered provider’ or ‘Australian visa application service’. These websites claim that they can ‘guarantee’ a visa or use a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ motto. Some use tactic that sounds like it is your ‘only chance’ to travel or migrate to Australia.
It is said that clients are being invited first to register online before a salesperson contacted them. Once contacted, they asked the client to provide their credit card details. Successfully, charges are being debited to their card despite no migration service has been provided.
Genuine migration agents must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. People who have been victimized by these fraudsters must report what happened to DIAC’s Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1800 009 623 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit the DIAC website.
Source:
psnews.com.au
