The Police Special Fraud Unit has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians planning to travel abroad to be wary of visa scams, urging intending travellers to strictly follow due process when applying for travel visas.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, the unit’s spokesperson, Mr Ovie Ewhubare, cautioned members of the public against falling victim to fraudsters who increasingly prey on desperate visa applicants.
Ewhubare said scammers now pose as embassy officials, travel agents or educational consultants, using fake websites, emails and urgent messages to demand quick payments from unsuspecting victims.
According to him, the fraudsters often promise guaranteed visa approvals or unusually fast processing, while requesting payments through personal bank accounts, gift cards or other unofficial channels.
“Genuine visa applications are processed only through recognised embassies, high commissions or their authorised platforms. The public should be cautious of unsolicited messages, emails or social media contacts offering visa assistance, particularly where there is pressure to act quickly or provide personal details,” he said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that operatives recently arrested a syndicate in the Ago-Okota area of Lagos for allegedly defrauding Nigerians of over ₦500 million.
He said the suspects, aged 23, 25, 27 and 36, were arrested following credible intelligence and multiple complaints from victims.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated under the guise of an educational consultancy and allegedly defrauded more than 100 victims of over ₦500 million under the false pretence of facilitating Canadian and Australian work visas,” Ewhubare added.
He warned visa applicants to be suspicious of anyone who claims to guarantee visas, promises unusually fast processing or demands upfront payments without proper documentation.
“Requests for fees without verifiable paperwork or instructions to submit false information are strong indicators of visa-related scams,” he said.
Ewhubare urged intending travellers to verify visa information directly from official embassy websites or through government-approved agents, and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
According to him, strict adherence to due process remains the most effective way to avoid falling victim to visa fraud.
