Warning signs of a fake study visa agent or consultant

Warning signs

The Australian High Commission in Pakistan says fake agents are targeting Pakistani migrants. Its warning signs are listed below. Not every agent who does one of these is a scammer, but each one is a reason to stop and check.

You are not at fault if you were approached. These people are practised and persuasive.

1. They contact you through WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
2. They 'guarantee' a visa or admission. For example, in Roman Urdu: 'visa pakka hai' (our example, not the High Commission's wording).
3. They ask for large upfront payments, or charge more than the fee published by the official body.
4. They pressure you to act quickly. For example, in Roman Urdu: 'aaj hi payment karein, seats khatam ho rahi hain' (our example, not the High Commission's wording).
5. They ask you to hand over your passport.
6. They refuse to share your application or login, or tell you not to discuss it with other people. For example, in Roman Urdu: 'kisi ko mat batana' (our example, not the High Commission's wording).
7. They say you can come on one visa and 'switch' to another after you arrive.

What you can check yourself

1. Ask the university in writing whether the agent represents it, using the email address on the university's own website.
2. For Australian visa help, check the person on the register of migration agents. The Australian Government says paid immigration help is illegal unless the person is a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.
3. Ask for a written contract and a receipt for every payment, in your own name.
4. Keep your own passport, your own portal login and your own visa account. A fair agent helps you without taking control.
5. Never give your password or one-time codes to anyone.