High riskTravel & Holiday Scams

Fake Embassy & Visa Scam

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate an embassy, consulate, or immigration office by phone, email, or fake website, demanding visa, passport, or 'processing' fees and personal documents that they steal or misuse.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Government impersonation (travel)
Main red flag
An 'embassy' or 'immigration office' demanding fees or documents by unusual means.
What to do first
Verify via the official embassy website and contact them directly yourself.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, fraudsters impersonate an embassy, consulate, or immigration office by phone, email, or fake website, demanding visa, passport, or 'processing' fees and personal documents that they steal or misuse.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'This is the immigration office. Your visa has an issue. Pay the processing fee and send your passport scan to avoid cancellation.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • Unsolicited contact claiming to be an embassy or immigration
  • Demands for fees by transfer, gift card, or crypto
  • Requests for passport scans or personal documents
  • Threats of visa cancellation or detention
  • A web address or email that is not the official domain

What to do

  • Verify through the official embassy or government website
  • Contact the embassy directly on its official number
  • Pay official fees only through official channels
  • Report impersonation to the real embassy or authorities

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop payments and do not send further documents
  • Contact the real embassy to check your status
  • Watch for misuse of any documents you shared
  • Report it and contact your bank if you paid

What not to do

  • Do not pay embassy fees by transfer, gift card, or crypto
  • Do not send passport scans to unverified contacts
  • Do not act on threats without verifying officially

Similar scams

Medium risk Travel

Global Entry Renewal Scam

In this scam, fake websites and ads offer to process or renew Global Entry or trusted traveller memberships, charging extra fees and harvesting passport and personal details while posing as official services.
High risk Romance

Marriage Visa Romance Scam

In this scam, an online partner promises marriage or to relocate to be with you, then asks for money for visas, flights, documents, or fees, often disappearing once payments stop.
Medium risk Travel

Vacation Club Scam

In this scam, a vacation or holiday club uses free-prize lures and high-pressure presentations to sell expensive memberships promising cheap holidays that are restricted, unavailable, or worthless.

Frequently asked questions

How do I verify an embassy contact?
Use the official embassy or government website to find genuine contact details, and reach out directly. Do not trust numbers or links from the message.
They demanded a fee in gift cards. Genuine?
No. Official visa and passport fees are never paid in gift cards, crypto, or transfers to personal accounts. That is a clear scam sign.
I sent my passport scan and paid. What now?
Stop further contact, verify your status with the real embassy, watch for document misuse, contact your bank, and report it.
Why do scammers impersonate embassies?
Official authority and fear of visa or travel problems make people comply quickly, handing over fees and documents that can be used for fraud.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.