Scam Watch: VFS Global Exposes Fake Websites and Social Media Accounts Duping Visa Applicants

VFS Global has warned the public to be aware of fraudsters, as the number of visa applications submitted for various countries is higher than ever this year.

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A recent report published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in collaboration with VFS Global, estimates that Africa’s travel & tourism sector could potentially add US$168BN to the continent’s economy and create over 18 million new jobs.

This growth, the report notes, depends on policies such as improving air infrastructure, visa facilitation, and tourism marketing.

Due to the rising demand for visa application appointments, scammers are posing as employees or representatives of the organisation, as well as agents and intermediaries. They lure job seekers and unsuspecting visa applicants by falsely promising early appointment slots in exchange for additional fees, ultimately intending to defraud them.

To avoid such fraudsters, Ms. Cleopatra Avenorgbo, Deputy General Manager in Charge of Operations at VFS Global, says, “It is important for applicants to bear in mind that appointment slots are offered online based on the volume of demand or forecast and in conjunction with the Consulate’s internal capacity planning. Once scheduled, they are recommended to be at the Centre 15 minutes before the appointed time to avoid missing your slot.

We strongly advise all applicants to be careful of touts and fraudulent parties who falsely promise early appointment bookings in exchange for payment. With the presence of location pins and information on popular social media and search platforms, many such fraudsters create a fake presence using company credentials like logos, official name etc. and include their contact details in the details provided on these pages that deceive genuine travellers who mistake these details as the official presence of the company.”

As part of the measures to curb such incidents, VFS Global has mandated that only applicants with a valid appointment are permitted entry into the Visa Application Centre located in Accra and Kumasi along with other measures such as  visa application form validation system to integrate the form reference number with appointment booking reference; OTP code is required to book the appointment to limit the intervention of agents; Anti-fraud messages across social media platforms, on the appointment letter, call centre voice messages, advertisements/posters; and provision of a channel for applicants to report any such instances by emailing the details to [email protected]

Taking into consideration the higher-than-expected waiting time for application processing due to the increased demand for outbound travel, VFS Global has implemented a series of measures like extended hours of operations, appointments and dedicated hours for submission and pick up of passports as well as additional waiting area for applicants requiring services at the Centre.

Ms. Avenorgbo stated that VFS Global does not control appointment availability. VFS Global manages only the administrative and non-judgmental tasks related to visa, passport and consular services for its governments. The company does not play any role in the decision-making process of visas. It is the sole prerogative of the respective governments.

“The availability of visa appointments, mandatory documentation, and the visa application decision, including the processing time, are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments. Once scheduled, VFS highly recommend the applicants be at the Centre 15 minutes before the appointed time to avoid missing their slot. Visa appointments are free and available only on www.vfsglobal.com on a first come first served basis,” she added.

The time taken for visa processing differs with each mission.

VFS Global recommends that applicants check the turnaround timelines before applying. Opting for any optional, value-added services (such as Prime Time, Form-filling, or any other service) does not guarantee a quicker or more positive decision by the concerned Embassy/Consulate. On the other hand, premium services like Visa At Your Doorstep have increased over the past three years as more and more applicants seek the ease and convenience these services offer in their travel planning at an additional cost.

Common reasons why applications get rejected 

Ms. Avenorgbo further explained that the most common reason visa applications get rejected is due to incorrect or insufficient information submitted while applying for a visa. She urged applicants to check the respective country websites by visiting www.vfsglobal.com, under the document checklist section. The optional form-filling service offered at an additional cost for some locations could ensure the correct information is updated.

VFS Global started its operation in Ghana in the year 2005. Our operational presence has grown over the past decade in the country to now service 18 governments across 22 Centres in three cities through a strong workforce of 100+ Ghanaians who are an integral part of our operations.