According to a statement from the Australian embassy in Kathmandu, prospective migrants and visa applicants can visit http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/forms/services/services-form.html and http://www.immi.gov.au/migration-fraud/ to learn about migration scams online and safeguard themselves.[break]
Announcing the launch, Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen said, “It is vital that people are aware of fraudsters´ tricks before handing over money for immigration assistance which is never provided.”
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, according to the statement.
The information kit has been developed following an increase in complaints about internet migration scams, which often appear to be official Australian government websites, said the statement.
“A common tactic of these sites is the use of language such as ´registered provider´ or ´Australian visa application service´,” 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.”
The embassy further added that 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, the embassy further said, involves illegal operators posing as migration professionals.
In Australia, migration agents must be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. The embassy has also asked prospective immigrants and visa applicants to contact New Delhi Visa Office Integrity Section, India.
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