People planning to move abroad may face unfamiliar rules, urgent deadlines and significant costs. Fraudsters exploit that uncertainty. These practical checks can help you assess a consultancy before sharing money, identity documents or sensitive information.
Be cautious about guaranteed outcomes
A consultant cannot control an immigration authority's decision. Promises of a “100% guaranteed visa”, secret routes, guaranteed employment without a real recruitment process or special access to officials are warning signs. Ask for the official programme name and check its requirements on the relevant government's website.
Verify identity and authorisation independently
- Check the firm's legal name, registered address and company registration using the relevant official register.
- Where immigration advice is regulated, verify the individual adviser's current authorisation directly with the regulator. Company registration alone is not permission to provide regulated advice.
- Use independently found contact details rather than relying only on a link or telephone number supplied in a message.
- Check website spelling and email domains carefully. A copied logo or social media profile does not prove legitimacy.
Insist on written terms and traceable payments
Request a written agreement describing the service, total fees, third-party charges, refund terms and complaints process. Avoid pressure to pay immediately, payments to unrelated personal accounts or demands for cryptocurrency or gift cards. Obtain receipts and keep copies of correspondence.
Protect your documents and your application
Never agree to forged employment records, invented bank statements or false information. You may be held responsible for information submitted in your name. Ask to review the application, keep your own copies and avoid sharing passwords or one-time verification codes. Do not hand over original documents without a clear reason and a documented return process.
If something seems wrong
Pause further payments and verify the claim independently. Preserve contracts, receipts, messages and account details. Contact your bank promptly if a payment may be fraudulent, and report suspected wrongdoing to the relevant regulator, consumer protection body or law enforcement agency. Seek advice from an appropriately authorised professional for your jurisdiction.
This article provides general awareness information, not individual legal advice. Procedures and regulatory requirements vary by country.