New Zealand Visa Scams: How to avoid them?

19/10/2022

Numerous visa scams target immigrants who are looking to move to New Zealand. It's important to be aware of these scams, so you don't become a victim. Some of the most common scams include fake job ads, offers for free visas, and schemes that require payment for a visa application.

We have seen that someone or an entity from India is constantly trying to scam people by claiming they can get them visas for New Zealand using our firm.

A few months back, we got a notification of schemes offering "New Zealand Visa" through our company name and using other methods, such as offering jobs under false pretences.

Just recently, another person contacted us to verify the legitimacy of his visa, which we found to be fake.

Fake New Zealand Visa - Immigration Trust

Image of the fake New Zealand Visa that was sent to us

Immigration Trust is not affiliated with any person or company in India

We urge everyone to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar people or companies and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

If you're thinking about moving to New Zealand, keep in mind the following:

1. Do your research
When you are looking for an immigration lawyer or adviser, make sure to do your research. Check https://iaa.ewr.govt.nz/PublicRegister/Search.aspx if you are going to engage with a licensed immigration adviser. This is to ensure that the person is actually licensed and has an active one. There are a lot of scams out there, and you don’t want to end up being a victim. You can start by looking for reviews of lawyers or advisers online. If you know someone who has used an immigration lawyer or consultant before, ask them for a recommendation.

2. Be wary of promises of guaranteed results
No one can guarantee results when it comes to immigration matters. If someone tells you they can guarantee that you will get a visa or that your case will be approved, they are likely trying to scam you. The reality is that there are no guarantees when it comes to immigration, so be cautious of anyone who tries to give you one.

3. Get everything in writing
Before you hire an immigration lawyer or adviser, make sure to get everything in writing. This includes the scope of their services, their fees, and any guarantees they may be making. This will help to protect you if something goes wrong.

Don’t let the fear of visa scammers hold you back from your dream of moving to New Zealand. With a bit of research and preparation, you can avoid becoming a victim yourself. Once you know what to look for, it will be much easier to protect yourself. If you need help with any stage of the visa process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help make your move to New Zealand as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Talk to us!