Visa processing company VFS Global says it is doing all it can to protect Thai clients who are being targeted by fraudsters.
Scams such as false appointment letters or requests for additional payment for fast-track visa guarantees, are rising along with outbound travel demand from Thailand, the company’s regional chief, Simon Peachey, told the Bangkok Post.
“The increased demand can unfortunately create opportunities for scammers to target applicants by making false promises or attempting to profit illegally,” Peachey said.
VFS Global said it does not sell visa appointments. Appointments are free and can be booked via its website or relevant government portals. The company also does not offer priority access or sell appointment slots.
Peachey said the company provides an official link through which the public can directly report any suspicious fraud or scam activity to the VFS website. It also monitors suspicious activity, including reporting and taking down websites that impersonate the company.
Similar scam patterns are emerging in other markets, with reports emerging from Australia that fly-by-night online operators are targeting travellers with dual British and Australian passports.
Under new regulations, dual passport holders can enter the UK with a British passport, or they must pay for a certificate of entitlement. Those in Australia who have let their British passport lapse are now having to reapply for a new passport to visit the UK to avoid the fee.
Cue, the scammers, who are setting up bogus websites offering to expedite the renewal process – for an eye-watering price.
University of Sydney’s senior lecturer at the School of Computer Science, associate professor Suranga Seneviratne, said such activity is common when new regulations are introduced.
Seneviratne told the ABC said there were a few ways to easily detect if a website is legitimate or not. The first is to look into what the typical government domain name is for websites from that country,” he said.
“The second is not trusting one single source. With Google search, what happens is these websites do some search engine optimisation or they come through sponsored ads.
“It is difficult for someone not careful enough to see these are not government sites.”
He said to never click on anything that comes via an email address.
He said other indications a website might not be legitimate or could be looking to overcharge customers is if it creates a sense of urgency with offers of expedited services or asks for non-traditional payment methods.”
