Vadodara, Gujarat: Police in Vadodara are investigating a visa fraud case in which over 400 people have been cheated of crores of rupees. The accused, who are the managers of a consultancy firm called Laksh Consultancy, allegedly promised to help the victims obtain visas for foreign countries. However, they failed to deliver on their promises and instead pocketed the money.
The fraud came to light when some of the victims approached the police after they did not receive their visas even after paying the consultancy firm a large sum of money. The police have registered a case against the three accused and are currently interrogating them.
One of the victims, who did not want to be named, told the media that she had paid Rs. 5 lakh to the consultancy firm for a visa to Canada. However, she never received the visa and the firm refused to refund her money.
Another victim said that he had paid Rs. 3 lakh to the firm for a visa to the United States. He too did not receive the visa and the firm has stopped responding to his calls and messages.
The police are appealing to anyone who has been a victim of this fraud to come forward and file a complaint. They have also warned people against dealing with unauthorized consultancy firms.
Immigration Times Advice
If you are planning to apply for a visa to a foreign country, it is important to do your research and only deal with legitimate consultancy firms. There are many unscrupulous firms out there who are only interested in taking your money.
Here are some tips for avoiding visa fraud:
- Check the credentials of the consultancy firm. Make sure they are registered with the relevant authorities.
- Get everything in writing. This includes the fees, the terms and conditions, and the estimated processing time.
- Be wary of any firm that promises quick and easy visas. There is no such thing as a guaranteed visa.
- If you have any doubts, walk away. It is better to be safe than sorry.
If you have been a victim of visa fraud, you should report it to the police immediately. You should also contact the relevant embassy or consulate for assistance.