According to the dictionary, a scam is a dishonest scheme; a fraud. Fraud is wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Based on this definition,
What is Visa Scam?
Visa scams are the deceptive practices that exploit people looking to apply for visa(s). Note that it is not limited to those unfamiliar with visa application processes or desperate to obtain a visa quickly. Anyone of any gender or age can fall for a visa scam. These scammers are usually clever, they target people not minding how much money you have. That’s why it’s vital to stay up to date with the types of scams and how scammers can target you.
My youtube channel is a great place to get started and it’s filled with resources that can help you avoid these miscreants.
My personal experience
I had been scammed too in the past by a supposed ‘legit visa company”. The company was ELB Recruitment Firm in Canada represented in Nigeria by ESQ6 Travels (parent company ESQ6 Global Limited -RC 1294957) . A quick search on google will show both are now closed. ESQ6 Travels was located at 7 Joseph St, Opebi-Oregun Road, Ikeja, Lagos.
Looking back now, that was a well thought our plan to defraud Nigerians. They could have put those skills and network into good use but they rather chose to do wrong.
How did it happen?!
I was looking to get a job for a family member abroad ‘cos I believed there was more demand abroad for the skills they had. During one of my conversations with my cousin, I mentioned this idea to her which she said she knew someone that could refer us to an agent. Apparently, a colleague of this my cousin had gotten his Canadian visa through this route so, it seemed legit, right?! WRONG!
My cousin’s colleague referred me to this visa agent called Opeyemi Oladunjoye whom I would employ to help secure a job and work visa in Canada for this my family member. At the time, 0817 061 9127 was his mobile phone number. Opeyemi was the “Client Service Executive” of the fraudulent ESQ6 Travels.
I have always been an ambassador for applying for any visa by yourself even before this experience. But somehow, at the time, I didn’t think I was up to task in this particular situation so, I turned to an agent. Besides, there was a guarantee of getting a job too so, why not, if not. I have not sought the services of an agent until this event which, will also be my last time using an agent.
The instructions were 1. Come to our office with all the above listed documents (they had sent a list of documents); 2. Obtain the form and pay the processing, application and assessment fee of NGN350,000; 3. After that, your documents will be couriered to Canada (Courier day – every Friday); 4. Within 2 weeks you will receive your Application Tracking ID then wait for the Job offer / contract and LMIA to be issued within the period of 1-4 months; 5. After receiving your original contracts and offer letters, we will apply for a Work Permit Visa for you. 6. Then you are on your way to Canada. So, I decided to do the first 2 while, the person I was hustling this for will do the remaining.
Note: before you say anything, YES, it is possible to get a job abroad. I have met many people who have towed the path. I also wasn’t worried because my NZ visa application was paper application anyway and while NZ don’t have an embassy in Nigeria, Canada did so it must be legit, I thought.
While Opeyemi was the main contact person, Jeremiah was the one sending the forms. This is a screenshot of the first of 6 pages of the form.
I borrowed money and made payment. Asked my cousin to take the documents to the said office. I did all this and this my family member wasn’t even bothered. To get the documents to the agents was a hassle talk more about filling this form!
I bugged this my family member to have a look at the form and fill it and just show some action so, I can feel my efforts were appreciated. It felt like I was forcing them to do something for themselves. We legit traded words on many things including the importance of the act. Like!! Don’t you want better for yourself?!!!
I told the family member, if this money goes down the drain, that’s on you. However, with or without their effort the money was going to be going down the drain anyway because the visa agents were fraudulent.
After finally filling the application form and sending back to them, then getting the so called tracking number, we did not hear back from the agent anymore. I bugged my cousin for info, at one point I even thought she was in on it #paranoia. She was dumbfounded at the behavior of the said agent.
Fast-forward to about 8 months later, I realised we had been scammed. Not only that, I also found out that I could have made the application myself! Oh the pain!!!
Looking back, there were many red flags and many things I could have done differently. First the company address was 7 Joseph St, Opebi-Oregun Road, Ikeja but, we were instructed to submit the form to 2 Osho street behind chicken republic Adebola house Opebi Ikeja. Them asking for full fees upfront without securing the job offer first. And many little things I missed.
I still have the email communication. Now that I have equipped myself with the ability to spot fraudulent visa agents and fake visas, Oh! how unprofessional those email looks and reads. I still can’t believe I fell for a scam!!!
Meanwhile, I had blamed my family member when the actual issue was that we were being scammed by the fake agents, Opeyemi and Jeremiah. I was hurt and just needed someone to blame. Although maybe if the said family member had acted fast, we would have spotted the scam early on and not nearly a year later. See, still trying to blame someone when from the onset, I should not have moved on to paying the money.
I was left with the choices – belief your cousin was in on it or that your cousin’s colleague pulled a fast one. I have since leaned on the second option as the fact!
This is another reason, amongst the many more reasons, why I share my knowledge on visa related matters as my contribution to mitigating these cases. I have also made a youtube video on how to spot fake New Zealand visas. Check it out!
Have you been scammed before? Share your experience in the comment section.
