VFS Global Warns Over Fraudsters Selling Fake Schengen Visa Appointments
The spokesperson told Arabian Business that this year, there has been noted a surge in the number of fraudsters offering to sell fake appointments, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
“There has been an increase in fraudsters this year who are taking advantage of people by selling appointments. We have seen some people come into the center with appointment confirmations which are fake and were unfortunately scammed by these fraudsters,” VFS Global’s Deputy Head of the UAE, Monaz Billimoria, pointed out.
According to the report, the increase comes after pent-up post-Coronavirus travel demand has created significant challenges for residents of UAE countries to secure a Schengen visa appointment during the peak season in summer, thus leading a large number of people to reschedule their holiday plans or cancel them altogether.
Billimoria said that they have seen some people come into the center with fake appointment confirmations that were “unfortunately” scammed by these persons.
“We are trying our best to raise awareness on this issue because many people have fallen for this scam. We have even contacted the required authorities and are carrying out our own investigations on the matter,” VFS Global’s Deputy Head of the UAE said.
She said that scammers continue to take advantage of the “revenge travel” demand as well as the lack of appointments made eligible by Schengen zone states’ embassies located in the United Arab Emirates.
Even though Schengen visa demand has increased, the company is ineligible to increase appointment availability after it allocates appointments in line with embassy and consulate guidelines, taking into account its capacity to review all applications.
Billimoria said that this year has been among the busiest for the VFS Global company after it experienced a total of 20 per cent surge in demand for Schengen Area travel since last year.
Schengen Visa delays led a large number of the United Arab Emirates to choose countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia instead of European ones.
According to Online Travel Agencies, residents from UAE countries are continuously choosing countries in the East and in the Indian Ocean after delays in getting appointments for Schengen Visas are increasing.
Fraud cases related to Schengen visa applications are not few. In June this year, security personnel members at VFS Global, the Visa Application Center located in Delhi, India, detected a group of seven applicants who were carrying forged documents in order to apply for visas for Italy.
For the Employer
Are you looking to Hire? Let us help you find the perfect candidates!
Step 1: Fill out the employer's questionnaire. Please provide us with the necessary details about your job requirements and company. We'll use this information to customise our services for you. Fill in the form.
Step 2: Choose the best offer. Once we receive your completed questionnaire, we'll prepare a tailored proposal for recruitment, employee leasing, or outsourcing services.
Step 3: Welcome your new employee. We'll utilise our extensive network and resources to find the ideal candidate for your business. Please don't worry; we'll ensure favourable conditions for you and the employee.
Take advantage of exceptional talent for your company. Complete the employer's questionnaire today, and let us handle your hiring needs.
For Job Seeker Registration
If you are looking for Truck Drivers, such as our guest today, we would like you to fill out the application form on our website. After reviewing the details of the completed offer, a representative of AtoZ Serwis Plus will contact you and tell you about all the details. Fill in the form.
Would you like some advice? So that you know, the information I've included here is for you to review. You'll always need to consult with your legal and tax advisor(s) and follow their guidance. AtoZ Serwis Plus cannot assist with legal or tax matters. The information presented is not specific to any particular company or workforce nor reflects how AtoZ Serwis Plus products are distributed in any jurisdiction. Instead, it is general. AtoZ Serwis Plus makes no representations or warranties regarding this information's accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. It shall not be liable for any losses from using or relying on it. It is your responsibility to exercise caution when using this information.
