Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Nigeria Police Force, through its Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), has issued a formal warning to Nigerians planning international travel, emphasising that visa application fraud is on the rise and urging strict adherence to official procedures to avoid becoming victims of scam syndicates. The advisory comes amid recent arrests linked to large-scale visa fraud operations and growing public concern over financial losses suffered by unsuspecting applicants.
Senior police spokesperson DSP Ovie Ewhubare said the PSFU has observed an upsurge in scams where fraudsters pose as embassy officials, travel agents, or visa facilitators to trick intending travellers into paying for visa services through illegitimate channels. According to police accounts, these criminals frequently use fake websites, unsolicited social media messages, and urgent calls to pressure applicants into making payments, often promising fast approvals or guaranteed visas in return. Ewhubare reiterated that genuine visa processing remains the exclusive domain of recognised embassies, high commissions, authorised visa application centres and official online platforms.
Investigations by law enforcement have uncovered syndicates operating under the guise of educational consultancies and travel agencies. In one notable case in Ago-Okota, Lagos State, a group of suspects aged between 23 and 36 was arrested on credible intelligence for allegedly defrauding more than 100 victims of over ₦500 million by purporting to facilitate Canadian and Australian work visas. Police revealed that the group collected money from applicants, often through personal bank accounts or other unofficial payment channels, but never submitted legitimate applications to the relevant embassies.
The police warning outlined common scam tactics that intending travellers should be alert to. One prominent method involves scammers creating fake online platforms that mimic the official websites of foreign embassies or visa service providers. These sites often replicate the layout, branding, and even domain names of legitimate portals, making it difficult for applicants to distinguish between genuine and bogus services. Fraudsters may also send unsolicited emails and WhatsApp messages containing fabricated visa appointment letters, purported approval notices, or false instructions to secure early processing in exchange for payments.
Authorities highlighted several clear red flags that travellers should watch for. Requests for payment into personal bank accounts, demands for gift cards or cryptocurrency transfers, promises of guaranteed visa issuance, and pressure to act quickly to secure limited slots are all indicative of potential fraud. Police also cautioned against engaging with agents who operate solely through social media accounts, lack physical offices, or refuse to provide verifiable official documentation.
To reduce vulnerability to scams, the police urged the public to verify all visa-related information directly through official embassy websites or recognised national immigration service portals. Applicants were advised to confirm the credentials of any agent or consultancy before making payments, including checking whether they are certified, properly licensed and listed on official registries. In Nigeria, programmes such as the Nigeria Certified Immigration Agent (NCIA) initiative by the Nigeria Immigration Service aim to professionalise visa facilitation services by certifying and regulating authorised agents. Travellers are encouraged to use such verification tools to ensure legitimacy.
The advisory further stressed the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities without delay. Police said that many victims refrain from reporting fraud due to embarrassment or fear of public exposure, a silence that enables criminal networks to persist. By contrast, prompt reporting of irregular requests, unsolicited contacts, and dubious payment instructions helps law enforcement build cases, track down syndicates and protect other potential victims.
Industry sources also continue to flag risks associated with intermediaries promising preferential services, such as early appointment bookings or special access to visa slots. For example, entities like VFS Global, which manage visa appointments on behalf of certain embassies, have previously warned Nigerian applicants to be cautious of touts who falsely claim they can secure early scheduling for an additional fee. Applicants are reminded that official appointment systems operate on transparent platforms and do not require off-platform payments.
Beyond local law enforcement warnings, foreign missions and international partners have also urged travellers to remain cautious. The United States Mission in Nigeria has previously alerted Nigerian nationals about fake job and visa offers tied to recruitment scams, where fraudsters promise work opportunities abroad along with visa processing support in exchange for upfront fees. Such schemes often target job seekers and vulnerable populations seeking expedited entry into foreign labour markets and have been associated with significant financial loss.
Police counsel that the safest approach for visa applications is straightforward: use only official channels, follow published guidelines for documentation and fees, and never pay for services or submit personal information to sources whose credentials cannot be independently verified. Travelers are also advised to maintain records of all correspondence, payment receipts, and application references, as these can prove critical in both legitimate processing and investigations if irregularities occur.
As part of broader anti-fraud efforts, police have reiterated that adherence to due process remains the most effective safeguard against deception. By raising public awareness of fraud tactics, escalating enforcement actions against syndicates, and promoting verification mechanisms like the NCIA, authorities aim to reduce the prevalence of scam-related losses and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s travel documentation ecosystem.
The PSFU concluded its advisory by urging the travelling public to stay informed, exercise caution and report any unverified offers immediately, stressing that protective vigilance combined with official channels is key to safe and legitimate international travel planning.
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