The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) has warned intending travellers to strictly follow due process when applying for travel visas, amid rising cases of visa-related fraud.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, PSFU spokesperson, DSP Ovie Ewhubare, cautioned members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters posing as visa agents or embassy officials.
Ewhubare said scammers now target visa applicants using fake websites, unsolicited messages and urgent payment requests, often promising guaranteed approvals or faster processing.
He noted that such fraudsters typically demand payments through personal bank accounts, gift cards or other unofficial channels.
Recently, the Lagos State Police Command arrested a syndicate in the Ago-Okota area for allegedly defrauding victims of over ₦500 million.
The suspects, aged between 23 and 36, were apprehended following intelligence reports and multiple complaints. Preliminary investigations showed they operated under the guise of an educational consultancy.
Police said the group allegedly defrauded more than 100 victims by falsely claiming to facilitate Canadian and Australian work visas.
Ewhubare warned applicants to be wary of individuals who claim they can guarantee visas, promise unusually fast processing or request payments outside official platforms.
“Genuine visa applications are processed only through recognised embassies, high commissions or their authorised platforms,” he said.
He also advised the public to ignore unsolicited emails, messages or social media contacts offering visa assistance, especially those that pressure applicants to act quickly or share personal information.
According to him, demands for upfront fees without proper documentation or instructions to submit false information are clear red flags.
Ewhubare urged intending travellers to verify visa information directly from official embassy websites or government-approved agents and to report suspicious activities to the authorities, stressing that adherence to due process remains the best protection against fraud.
