In yet another case of fraud exploiting aspirations of overseas employment, a visa agent in Vadodara has been accused of cheating a youth of ₹8 lakh on the pretext of sending him to New Zealand. The case came to light after the victim neither received a visa nor got his money back. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and an investigation has been initiated.
From Online Lead to Dubai Trip
According to details, Chirag Patel, a resident of Brahmanwadi area in Unjha, was planning to go abroad for better career opportunities. While searching online, he came across a visa consultancy operating from the Sayajigunj area of Vadodara through social media platforms.
The consultancy, reportedly running under the name “We World Visa” from Phoenix Complex, was managed by agent Viral Dineshbhai Shah. The accused allegedly assured the victim that he could arrange a New Zealand visa smoothly. He further claimed that as part of the process, the applicant would first need to travel to Dubai for one month, from where the visa application would be processed.
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Trusting the agent’s assurances, the victim paid ₹8 lakh. Following the instructions, he traveled to Dubai and stayed there for nearly a month, expecting that his visa process was underway and nearing completion.
Broken Promises, Bounced Cheques, and Another Complaint
However, after a month, the agent suddenly asked him to return to India. Upon returning, the victim was repeatedly given excuses, and neither the promised visa was delivered nor the money refunded. Despite multiple attempts to contact the agent, there was no satisfactory response.
The victim also revealed that the cheques issued by the agent later bounced, further confirming the fraud. Realizing that he had been deceived, he approached the authorities and filed a formal complaint detailing the entire sequence of events.
Preliminary investigation has indicated that this is not the first allegation against the accused. About a week earlier, another complaint had been filed against him for allegedly cheating a different individual of ₹1.5 lakh on the pretext of sending him to Russia. This suggests a pattern of targeting individuals seeking overseas opportunities.
Growing Menace, Social‑Media Traps, and Safety Tips
The incident highlights the growing menace of fraudulent visa consultancies that exploit the aspirations of young job seekers. Experts point out that social media platforms have become a major tool for such fraudsters to identify and trap potential victims by offering attractive deals.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh stated that such cases are classic examples of social engineering, where criminals manipulate trust and create a sense of urgency or opportunity to influence victims into making financial decisions. He emphasized that extra caution is necessary in matters related to overseas employment and visa processing.
Experts also advise that before trusting any visa consultant, individuals should verify their legal registration, credentials, and past record. Payments should always be made through documented channels with proper receipts and agreements to avoid financial risks.
At present, a case has been registered against the accused and efforts are underway to locate him. Authorities are also examining whether more victims have been targeted using similar methods.
This case once again underlines how scammers are capitalizing on the dreams of global careers to defraud unsuspecting individuals. It serves as a reminder that vigilance, verification, and informed decision-making are essential safeguards against such financial crimes.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
