VFS Global warns Thai travellers of rising visa scam threats
VFS Global cautioned Thai travellers about visa scams, urging early applications due to increasing outbound travel. The organisation, a leader in visa outsourcing and technology services, hosted an awareness event in Bangkok.
Diplomats from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Norway, and Switzerland attended to address the growing threat of visa fraud. As visa applications surge to record levels, scammers exploit the demand by impersonating visa agents, offering fake appointments, and falsely promising influence over visa approvals.
Peak travel seasons result in increased visa applications and extended appointment waiting times. This environment allows fraudsters to mislead travellers by charging for counterfeit priority bookings or guaranteeing visa approvals for a fee. Many applicants fall prey to these scams, mistakenly believing they can circumvent the official process.
Kaushik Ghosh, head of the Australasia region at VFS Global, emphasised the need for caution.
“We strongly encourage all travellers to apply well in advance. Delaying applications increases the risk of being scammed by fraudulent entities who take advantage of last-minute urgency.
“VFS Global does not work with any third-party agents, and applicants should conduct thorough checks before making any payments.”
Embassy officials echoed this sentiment, noting that scammers are particularly active during peak seasons. Christina Lehner-Telic, Consul General at the Austrian embassy in Bangkok, advised travellers to “not trust individuals charging for appointments or promising guaranteed visas.”
VFS Global assists individuals in applying for visas by managing administrative tasks for 27 governments in Thailand. This includes collecting application forms, verifying documents, and obtaining biometric information. However, the decision to approve or deny a visa lies with embassies and consulates.
Travellers are advised to submit applications exclusively through the VFS Global website, www.vfsglobal.com, to avoid scams from fraudsters who impose additional fees or make false assurances.
VFS Global also highlights common errors such as mismatched details, incorrect photo formats, missing documents, and unverified bank statements, which can lead to visa rejections, reported Bangkok Post.
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