UK Work Permit Fraud: Senior Citizen Loses Rs 15 Lakh

A senior citizen from Bopal, Ahmedabad, lost Rs 15 lakh in a visa fraud scheme. He had been seeking a UK work permit for his son and daughter-in-law and was targeted by fraudsters claiming they could secure a work permit for a significant fee. The victim initially engaged with a consultant, who assured him that the process would be smooth. As the payments increased, the consultant continued to demand more money under various pretexts, including charges for work permits and medical tests, until the victim had transferred the full amount.

The fraud became apparent when the senior citizen's family grew suspicious of the prolonged delays and lack of progress. After no results and no documentation were provided, the family approached the police. The fraudulent consultant was reported to have used misleading documents and fake correspondence to lure the family into believing the application process was legitimate. Upon investigation, it was found that the consultant had been running similar scams targeting other unsuspecting clients seeking work visas.

Police have registered the case under sections of criminal breach of trust and cheating. They are investigating the consultant's background and other possible victims who may have been duped in similar scams. The family is hopeful that the police investigation will lead to the recovery of their lost money, but the emotional and financial toll has been significant.

This case highlights the vulnerability of individuals, particularly senior citizens, who are often targeted by fraudulent visa agents promising work permits in foreign countries. It underscores the importance of verifying the legitimacy of visa consultants before making financial commitments, as these frauds can be elaborate and difficult to detect until it is too late.