Olushola Omogbehin
Police Special Fraud Unit has warned Nigerians to follow due process when applying for travel visas.
The spokesperson of Police Special Fraud Unit, DSP Ovie Ewhubare, disclosed this while speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday.
He disclosed that scammers usually create fake websites, send urgent messages, or claim they can expedite visa approvals in exchange for payments through unofficial channels, including personal bank accounts and gift cards.
Recently in Lagos, fraud syndicate aged 23, 25, 27, and 36 who were operating in the Ago-Okota area were arrested by law enforcement agency for allegedly defrauding the public of over N500 million.
According to report, the group operated under the guise of an educational consultancy with target on applicants seeking Canadian and Australian work visas, defrauding over 100 people in the process.
Ewhubare cautioned Nigerians to take cautious of anyone who promised them visas, unusually fast processing, or requesting payments through unofficial channels.
He said that legitimate visa applications are processed only through known embassies, high commissions, or authorised platforms.
Other red flags are unsolicited messages, social media contacts, or emails asking applicants to act quickly or provide personal information are red flags of potential scams.
In order to be free from them, Ewhubare encouraged prospective travellers to confirm visa procedures directly through official embassy websites or government-approved agents and to report any suspicious activities immediately to the authorities.
