Picture this: you’ve spent lakhs of rupees chasing your dream of working or studying abroad, only to realize you’ve been scammed.
Sadly, this is not a rare story. Across India, from Delhi and Mumbai to smaller cities like Mohali and Zirakpur, visa fraud continues to trap thousands of hopeful migrants every year.
Unlicensed “immigration consultants” and fake agencies promise quick approvals, guaranteed jobs, or university admissions abroad, but many vanish once they’ve taken the money.
The result? Victims lose not only their savings but also precious time and peace of mind.
Visa fraud in India is evolving fast, with scams ranging from fake visas and forged offer letters to full-fledged agencies running elaborate operations.
Understanding how these scams work and how to recognize red flags can protect you from becoming the next victim.
What Is Visa Fraud?
At its core, visa fraud occurs when individuals or agencies deceive you into believing you’ll receive a legitimate visa, work permit, or study placement abroad, when, in reality, it’s all fake.
Common tricks include:
- Supplying forged visas, passports, or offer letters.
- Claiming “100% guaranteed” visa approvals.
- Operating under fake consultancy names or temporary office setups.
- Demanding advance payments or full fees upfront, then disappearing.
These scams can happen anywhere, in major metros, online, or even through word-of-mouth referrals in smaller towns.
How Visa Fraud Happens?
Visa scams often follow a pattern: emotional persuasion, false promises, and fabricated documents. Here are the most common tactics used across India:
- Fake Documentation: Fraudsters use forged visa stickers, counterfeit embassy letters, and even fabricated airline tickets.
- Third-Country Routing: Victims may be told to travel through smaller nations like Cambodia or Azerbaijan, which can lead to trafficking risks.
- Bogus Job Offers: Fake overseas employment agencies promise high-paying jobs abroad in exchange for “processing fees.”
- Unlicensed Agents: Many agents operate without proper registration under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), making their businesses illegal.
- Organized Networks: Some scams involve entire call-center-style operations, managing multiple victims simultaneously with fake paperwork.
Case Study: Visa Fraud in Mohali
While visa fraud happens nationwide, Mohali (Punjab) has emerged as a major hotspot due to the high number of residents aspiring to migrate abroad.
The 2025 Mohali Visa Scam Crackdown
In October 2025, Mohali police registered 11 FIRs in just 24 hours, uncovering scams totaling ₹1.15 crore.
Several unlicensed immigration agencies were found operating in the Tricity area, luring victims with promises of jobs and study visas in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Here’s how the scam unfolded:
Victims were approached through local advertisements and social media posts claiming “guaranteed visa approvals.”
The agencies collected hefty “processing fees”, ranging from ₹2 to ₹10 lakh, in cash, often providing fake receipts.
Many victims were also shown counterfeit offer letters from reputed foreign universities and companies.
Once the money was paid, the agents would either disappear or delay communication, citing “embassy backlogs.” When victims visited their offices, they found them shut overnight.
Real Victim Story:
Rohit Sharma (name changed), a 26-year-old from Kharar, paid ₹4.5 lakh to an agency promising him a Canadian work visa within three months.
After weeks of silence, he realized the offer letter and visa documents were fake. When he approached the police, he discovered several others had been duped by the same firm.
The crackdown led to multiple arrests, but officials noted that many such agencies reopen under new names within months, highlighting the need for stronger verification systems and public awareness.
How to Spot a Visa Scam?
Here are some warning signs that can help you identify visa fraud before it’s too late:
- “Guaranteed” Approvals: No legitimate consultant or embassy can promise visa success — immigration decisions are made only by official authorities.
- Upfront Cash Demands: Avoid paying large sums in cash or through untraceable methods. Always insist on receipts.
- Lack of Paperwork: If there’s no written contract, it’s a red flag.
- Fake or Copied Documents: Always verify offer letters and visa details with the issuing embassy or institution.
- No Credentials: Genuine agents are registered under the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs). You can verify them on the official MEA website.
- Suspicious Travel Routes: Be cautious if advised to travel via third countries instead of through standard visa processes.
How to Report a Visa Scam in India?
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a visa scam, take immediate action:
- Preserve All Evidence: Keep receipts, payment proofs, chat logs, and emails.
- File an FIR: Report to your nearest police station with complete details of the agency and transactions.
- File a Cyber Crime Complaint: Visit the cyber crime portal and draft your complaint. Upload all the documents and save the acknowledgment number after tracking.
- Notify Your Bank: If you transferred funds, inform your bank immediately to block or trace the transaction.
- Spread Awareness: Sharing your experience can help others avoid falling into the same trap.
Need Help?
Don’t wait. If you’ve been a victim of visa fraud, register with us now to get immediate support and safeguard your funds.
Conclusion
Visa fraud in India is a growing concern, especially in regions with high migration aspirations like Punjab, Gujarat, and Kerala. Scammers prey on dreams, but awareness is your strongest defense.
Always verify agency credentials, read contracts carefully, and never rush into payments, no matter how convincing the offer sounds.
If something feels off, trust your instincts — and report it before it’s too late.
