Be Wary Of Migration Scams

< BACK TO IMMIGRATION starstarstarstarstar   Government - Immigration Press Release
6th October 2010, 04:05pm - Views: 1708





Misc Miscellaneous Minister For Immigration And Citizenship 1 image

CHRIS BOWEN MP

MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP



MEDIA RELEASE

6 October 2010

BE WARY OF MIGRATION SCAMS


Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, today warned prospective

migrants and visa applicants to Australia to be wary of migration scammers.


“It is vital that people are aware of fraudsters’ tricks before handing over money for

immigration assistance which is never provided,” Mr Bowen said.


“This is why the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has launched a new online

consumer protection resource to help people to learn about migration scams online and

safeguard against scams.


“The Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud information kit includes victims’ stories, tips to

stay safe online, information on how to identify non-genuine websites and fraudulent

emails, links to consumer resources and a video testimonial.”


The information kit has been developed following an increase in complaints about internet

migration scams, which often appear to be official Australian Government websites.


“A common tactic of these sites is the use of language such as ‘registered provider’ or

‘Australian visa application service’,” Mr Bowen said.


“They claim that they can ‘guarantee’ a visa, this is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ or it is

your ‘only chance’ to travel or migrate to Australia.”


In the most prevalent scam, clients are invited to register online before a salesperson

contacts them and asks them to provide credit card details. Charges are then debited to

their card despite no migration service being provided. 


Migration fraud involves illegal operators posing as migration professionals. In Australia,

migration agents must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration

Authority.


People with information about migration scams or illegal operators should phone DIAC’s

Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623 or visit



DIAC’s Protect Yourself from Migration Fraud information kit can be found at




Media Contact – Laura Stevens 0432 833 769






news articles logo NEWS ARTICLES
Contact News Articles |Remove this article