The United Kingdom (UK) Embassy has asked Kenyans to be vigilant when applying for a visa to the European country. The UK Embassy said Kenyans seeking work or study visas in the UK should be cautious.1. Websites offering non-existent jobs 2. People pretending to be Home Office/visa officers 3. Fake government websites and email addresses 4. People targeting applicants for UK work and study visas How should visa applicants protect themselves? Why did the UK issue travel advisory? + View more The embassy listed several tricks that fraudsters employ that visa applicants should be wary of. Why did the UK Embassy warn Kenyans? According to the UK government, criminals are using fake websites to offer employment opportunities to unsuspecting Kenyans and other nationals across the world.
They reportedly assure applicants of guaranteed permits to enter the country using email addresses or SMS numbers that appear official but are not. It stated that it is a scam if candidates receive an unexpected email, call, or letter from someone posing as an officer from the Home Office. The embassy clarified that it does not get in touch with people to request money or personal information, especially from applicants seeking jobs in the UK. “Criminals may try to trick you by claiming they can easily provide you with a UK visa, or by saying there’s a problem with your visa application. They often sound very convincing and may use official-sounding language or fake documents, such as job offer letters that appear genuine. Their goal is to get you to send money or share personal information. Always be cautious and verify any communication you receive,” it stated. What are the red flags in the UK visa application process? 1. Websites offering non-existent jobs The UK government noted that these scams frequently entice candidates with job offers, only to tell them that they have been hired and now need to pay for a visa and other related costs.
It reiterated that there are no quick routes to working in the UK, and a reputable company would never ask for payment to obtain a visa. Rather, they would refer candidates to the official UK government website so they could properly apply. “The UK Visas and Immigration Department will never guarantee a job in the UK,” It said. 2. People pretending to be Home Office/visa officers The embassy pointed out that legitimate visa officers will never request money. It revealed that scammers often target students and tell them they have serious problems with their visa. “They may provide a fake identity and phone number while seeming sincere and convincing. To avoid deportation or visa cancellation, they advise you to transmit money as soon as possible using various payment options, including MoneyGram or other international payment methods.” The embassy said some fake agents call applicants to inform them that they used forged documents. Hundreds of Kenyans seek employment opportunities in the UK.
However, it clarified that it has deployed a system to identify forgeries and will decline such applications. 3. Fake government websites and email addresses Recruitment Exercise Fake websites are made to resemble those of the UK government or its legitimate agencies for obtaining visas. The UK said “gov.uk” is always included in the URL of official UK government websites. Meanwhile, the official Home Office email addresses for officers appear in the following format: name.surname@homeoffice.gov.uk. “Always check the actual address on the email you are sending,” it cautioned. 4. People targeting applicants for UK work and study visas According to the UK government, these individuals request a deposit from applicants as evidence that they have sufficient money to live comfortably in the country. “We would never ask you for money, but as part of the formal application process, you must provide proof that you have enough to support yourself,” the embassy noted. “All associated costs, such as visa fees or premium services, should be paid online on the official Gov.uk and commercial partner websites,” it added. How should visa applicants protect themselves? Do not make payments using electronic vouchers. Do not share personal data or confirm that they (scammers) have the correct information. Report any suspicions of fraud on the Action Fraud website or (for those in the UK) by phoning 0300 123 2040, and report to local authorities for those outside the UK.
By Japhet Ruto
