Every year, millions of people in different parts of the world plan to migrate abroad. However, the presence of high demand always attracts fraudsters, of which any expat can become a victim. Find out about the most popular fraud schemes in 2024 and what measures the authorities are taking to fight them

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad

BUY

The procedure for obtaining a visa or a work permit is usually a rather complex process that requires certain experience, understanding the specifics of the country's legislation, and preparation of an appropriate package of documents. However, unfortunately, wherever there is high demand, new fraudulent schemes can be expected to emerge. In order not to be deceived, you should seek help only from proven professionals and be aware of current fraudulent schemes.

Read more about the most popular methods of expat scams in 2024 in this article.

Greece - crimes related to the "golden visa"

In 2024, Greek law enforcement officers uncovered a fraudulent scheme related to the issuance of "golden visas." A network of Greek real estate companies bought real estate in Greece for €100,000 and resold it for €250,000 to the Chinese. Intermediaries convinced sellers to declare higher prices than the real market value. At the next stage, part of the money was returned. As a result of this scheme, the size of the investments made in the Greek economy by applicants for the "golden visa" was less than established by Greek law.

Real estate sellers received money, and intermediaries - solid commissions. Unsuspecting Chinese citizens became victims of this fraudulent scheme.

Germany - forgery of documents

Two brothers in Stuttgart were sentenced to 5 years in prison for forging documents. They helped hundreds of refugees illegally obtain German citizenship and received more than 300,000 euros for it. Fraudsters forged language test results, citizenship certificates and other documents. Fraudsters contacted customers through the Tik Tok platform.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Spain - fake interview records

A gang of fraudsters sold foreigners fake records for interviews at immigration offices (extranjería in Spanish) for up to €90, despite the fact that the procedure itself is free.

Fraudsters used a computer bot to block online registration systems, preventing immigrants from registering for interviews. The scammers then offered the victims fake appointments.

More than 100 people suffered from illegal actions.

Many victims, when visiting the extranjería office, found that their appointments were invalid. The investigation was launched after a dozen complaints filed by foreigners who fell for the fraudsters.

Switzerland - canceled residence permits

Hundreds of foreign residents in Switzerland received letters informing them that the agreement on the free movement of people between Switzerland and the EU has been annulled, as a result of which their "residence permit is no longer valid." The letters had an official appearance, and the sender was allegedly the Swiss State Secretariat for Immigration.

To solve the problem, the fraudsters offered to pay between €300 and €1,000 for a work permit in Switzerland, as well as health and accident insurance.

The Swiss authorities recommended simply ignoring these letters.

New Zealand - fake job offers

The New Zealand Immigration and Investment Association has reported that a number of local employers working with international recruiters are "selling" jobs to foreigners and thus facilitating their labor migration to the island nation.

The AEWV scheme, introduced during the COVID pandemic, involves very little background checks and allows immigrants to 'buy' the right to work in New Zealand. Now, the anti-fraud department conducts particularly large-scale audits of designated employers.

Thailand - expedited processing of documents at the airport

Thai immigration police have advised foreign travelers not to believe posts on social media that offer fast-track immigration at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports for a fee, as fast-track immigration is not available for a fee. And in general, the need for such services is minimal, because the check-in procedure itself at the airport takes 15 minutes.

Canada - Study Permit Fraud

A few years ago, Canada deported a large number of international students who fell victim to scammers. The consultants, working outside of Canada, submitted fake college acceptance letters with clients' study permit applications. Some swindlers took thousands of Canadian dollars from foreigners, "selling" them jobs in Canada.

In total, the Canada Border Services Agency said that between May 1, 2019 and April 9, 2024, 153 people were charged with fraudulent immigration counseling offenses. The vast majority of them were citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

How not to become a victim of fraudsters when applying for a visa?

In order not to become a victim of fraudsters when applying for a visa, work permit or any other migration documents, we advise you to follow the following few rules:

1. Use only verified resources - official websites of diplomatic missions of the chosen country.

2. Look for the rules of entry and stay in any country of the world for various purposes (work, education, permanent residence, tourism) for citizens of any state on the Visit World portal.

3. Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the world of migration - for this, read the "News" section on the Visit World portal.

4. Consult only proven migration specialists.

We wish you easy travels and a simple procedure for obtaining a permit!

We will remind you! Visa Run is a way to extend your stay in the country simply by traveling abroad. It is quite popular among a certain category of expats. We have already told you what visa run is, what are the ways to extend the permit, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this method.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe trip abroad, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling around the world.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.