Travellers in the UAE are being warned to exercise caution and remain vigilant while applying for visas, as the threat of fraudsters attempting to deceive individuals into sending them money is on the rise.
VFS Global, a company that facilitates visa services for many countries worldwide, including the UAE, has issued an advisory to raise awareness about scammers who steal personal details and ask travellers to remit money. VFS Global operates a global network with over 3,300 application centres in 145 countries and has processed over 264 million visa requests since its inception in 2001. It works with 68 governments to manage non-judgemental and administrative tasks related to applications, passports, and consular services, allowing client governments to focus on critical assessment tasks.
In its advisory, VFS Global warns visa aspirants to be cautious of fraudsters attempting to gain access to their personal information or asking for money through social channels. The company assures that it follows strict guidelines to ensure the safety of applicants’ data and emphasizes that its employees will never ask for personal information through social media channels. Additionally, VFS Global highlights that it has no affiliation with any agents in the UAE for providing visa-related advice or services to applicants. Therefore, applicants are urged not to seek advice or services from agents, as VFS Global will not be responsible for any fees paid to agents in relation to visa matters.
As the process of obtaining visas can be complex and important, applicants are urged to stay informed and be cautious of any suspicious requests or promises related to overseas settlement opportunities. By remaining vigilant and aware of potential scams, travellers can protect their personal information and financial security during the visa application process.
