ISLAMABAD: An advisory has been issued for Pakistanis planning to travel to Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) warned citizens to be cautious of visa fraud and financial scams, emphasizing that as residents, individuals are entitled to rights and freedoms under Canadian law.
The advisory follows revelations of fraud impersonating the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad. Fraudsters reportedly added fake numbers on Google Maps and tried to charge between €250 to €450 for visa or consular appointments.
IRCC officers never request payment via email, phone, or bank transfer. All official fees should be paid only through the official IRCC portal.
The advisory also highlighted common types of fraud, including individuals posing as Canadian officials, phishing emails or text messages, computer virus scams, fake prizes or contests, and tax fraud.
No one can guarantee employment, visa approval, or permanent residence in Canada except authorized immigration officers stationed in Canada or at Canadian embassies, high commissions, or consulates.
All IRCC service fees are standardized worldwide and should be paid according to instructions on the official website.
Signs of potential fraud include requests to deposit money into personal bank accounts, urgent payment demands without proper notice, requests to pay via prepaid credit cards, Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards, or similar services, threats of arrest, deportation, or harm to family if fees are unpaid, promises of special discounts or fast-track processing, and contact via free email services (Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo) or social media.
The advisory concludes by urging foreign nationals to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
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