Canada work visa scam: Couple loses Rs 5 lakh

A Vadodara couple has filed a complaint against a travel agent, alleging they were defrauded of ₹5.58 lakh under the pretense of securing work visas for Canada. The incident underscores the growing concern over visa-related scams targeting hopeful immigrants.

The Incident

According to the complaint lodged at the Gorwa police station, Bhavita Patel discovered a Facebook advertisement in 2024 promoting visa services for Canada. The ad led her to an agency where she met with the accused, Gagandeepsingh Amardeepsingh. He explained the visa process, stating that it would cost ₹13 lakh to obtain work visas for Patel, her husband, and their daughter.

Trusting the agent's assurances, Patel submitted the required documents and transferred ₹5.58 lakh to his account. Amardeepsingh promised that the visas would be processed within a few months. However, the visas never materialized.

Escalation and Legal Action

When Patel inquired about the delay, Amardeepsingh claimed that their application had been canceled and demanded additional funds to reapply. Patel refused to pay more and requested a refund. The agent initially avoided returning the money and later issued a cheque that bounced. Subsequently, Patel approached the Gorwa police and filed a cheating complaint against him.

Broader Context

This case is not isolated. In recent years, several individuals from Vadodara and surrounding areas have fallen victim to similar scams:

• A 48-year-old businessman was cheated out of ₹23.39 lakh by a visa agent promising Canadian permanent residency.
• A group of six, including a Vadodara professor, lost ₹46 lakh to a Surat-based agent who provided forged offer letters for Canadian jobs.
• Four individuals were duped of ₹5 crore by a group, including two doctors, under the guise of facilitating business start-up visas for Canada.

Advisory for Aspiring Immigrants

Authorities advise individuals seeking visas to:

• Verify the credentials of visa consultants through official government portals.
• Be cautious of agents demanding large upfront payments without providing verifiable documentation.
• Report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement promptly.

As visa-related frauds continue to rise, potential immigrants are urged to exercise due diligence and consult authorized agencies to avoid falling prey to such scams.