Foreign Workers Warned About Immigration Telephone Scams

IMPACT – Low

What is new? Immigration authorities in Ireland and New Zealand are warning foreign nationals about phone scams in which callers pose as immigration officials.

• Timeframe: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Work visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals in Ireland, New Zealand.
• Impact on processing times: No impact.
• Next steps: Applicants are warned not to give out information about their applications to telephone callers.

Background: The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) warned last month that some visa applicants had been contacted by callers purporting to be from the agency, seeking payment of 500 euros. The callers quoted the agency’s helpline number and other official publications. The INIS reminded customers that it does not contact applicants by phone for payment of application fees.

“Applicants are asked to be vigilant. Do not give details of your immigration application to telephone callers unless you are sure who they are. If someone demands payment of a fine, contact INIS and the [police],” the INIS warned on its website.

Also, New Zealand’s immigration agency posted a warning on Oct. 30 on its website about recent scam phone calls. The callers claim that the recipient has a problem with his or her visa or arrival card information and demand monetary payment. The agency noted that the callers can appear to be legitimate because they often have some details about the individual, such as name, date of birth or address, and in some cases the callers reference application numbers that are fake.

BAL analysis: Foreign workers should be aware of the fraudulent calls and should not give out personal information or details to callers unless their identity is certain.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Ireland. For additional information, please contact GlobalVisaGroup@bal.com.

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