The British Embassy in Nairobi highlighted warning signs that Kenyan applicants should be cautious of when seeking a visa. A warning sign du...
- The British Embassy in Nairobi highlighted warning signs that Kenyan applicants should be cautious of when seeking a visa.
- A warning sign during the application procedure is the demand for visa charges via email, phone, or bank transfer.
- The UK government also mentioned that its official websites and email addresses seem to be designed to prevent fraudsters.
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The British Embassy has urged Kenyans to remain cautious when applying for a visa to a European nation.
The embassy highlighted various tactics that scammers use, which visa applicants should be cautious about.
What prompted the UK Embassy to issue a warning to Kenyans?
As per the UK authorities, offenders are employing counterfeit websites to present job prospects to unaware Kenyans and individuals from various countries globally.
They are said to promise applicants with certain permits to enter the country through email addresses or mobile numbers that seem legitimate but are not.
It mentioned that it is considered a fraud if applicants get an unsolicited email, phone call, or letter from someone pretending to be an official from the Home Office.
The embassy stated that it does not reach out to individuals asking for funds or private details, particularly from those applying for positions in the UK.
"Criminals might attempt to deceive you by asserting they can quickly assist with a UK visa, or by informing you there is an issue with your visa application. They often sound highly credible and may employ formal-sounding language or counterfeit documents, like job offer letters that look authentic. Their intention is to get you to transfer money or disclose personal details. Always remain alert and confirm any messages you receive," it mentioned.
What are the warning signs during the UK visa application procedure?
1. Sites providing fake employment opportunities
The British government highlighted that such fraudulent schemes often lure applicants with job opportunities, subsequently informing them of their employment and requiring payment for a visa and associated expenses.
It emphasized that there are no shortcuts to working in the UK, and a trustworthy company would never request money to secure a visa.
Instead, they would direct applicants to the official UK government website in order for them to apply correctly.
"The UK Visas and Immigration authority will not assure employment in the UK," it stated.
2. Individuals masquerading as Home Office/visa officials
The embassy noted that authorized visa officials will never ask for payment.
It showed that fraudsters frequently focus on students and inform them that they have significant issues with their visa.
They might offer a false identity and phone number while appearing genuine and persuasive. To prevent deportation or the termination of your visa, they recommend sending money immediately through multiple payment methods, such as MoneyGram or other global transfer options.
The embassy mentioned that certain fake representatives contact applicants, telling them that they have submitted false documents.
Nevertheless, it stated that it has implemented a system to detect counterfeit documents and will reject such submissions.
3. Illegitimate government websites and email addresses
False websites are created to mimic those of the UK government or official organizations in order to acquire visas.
The UK stated that "gov.uk" is consistently part of the URL for official UK government websites.
In the meantime, the official email addresses used by Home Office officers follow this structure: name.surname@homeoffice.gov.uk.
"Always verify the real address in the email you are sending," it warned.
4. Individuals directing applicants towards UK work and study visas
As per the UK government, these people ask for a deposit from applicants to prove they have enough funds to support themselves in the country.
"We will never request money from you, but as part of the official application procedure, you are required to present evidence that you can financially support yourself," the embassy stated.
"Additional expenses, including visa charges or paid services, must be settled through the official Gov.uk and authorized partner sites," it stated.
What steps can visa applicants take to safeguard themselves?
- Avoid using electronic vouchers for payments.
- Avoid sharing personal details or verifying that they (fraudsters) possess the accurate information.
- Notify the Action Fraud website of any suspected fraud, or call 0300 123 2040 if you're in the UK, and contact local authorities if you're located outside the UK.
What was the reason behind the UK issuing a travel warning?
In other developments, the UK has advised its citizens to avoid visiting certain regions in Kenya because of a rise in kidnapping and terrorist activities.
It warned its citizens to avoid traveling to Wajir, Mandera, and regions close to the Kenya-Somalia border.
It mentioned that British citizens were the focus of earlier assaults.
