Dreams of Canada, Target of Scammers: Pakistanis Urged to Stay Alert
As a growing number of Pakistanis prepare to travel, study, or settle in Canada, the country’s immigration authority has issued a critical warning about an alarming rise in visa-related scams specifically targeting Pakistani applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has sounded the alarm after multiple fraud schemes surfaced, including one where scammers impersonated officials from the Canadian High Commission and used fake contact information on Google Maps to demand illegal payments.
The surge in these scams comes at a time when Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Pakistanis seeking higher education, professional opportunities, and a better quality of life. However, this increased demand has created a breeding ground for fraudsters looking to exploit applicants’ hopes and urgency. IRCC’s latest advisory aims to protect applicants from potentially losing hundreds of euros or even risking their personal information to elaborate visa and job-related scams.
Fake High Commission Contacts and Fraudulent Appointment Fees
One of the most alarming cases that prompted the advisory involved scammers manipulating Google Maps to attach fake phone numbers to the Canadian High Commission’s official listing. By doing so, fraudsters tricked unsuspecting Pakistanis into contacting them directly, presenting themselves as consular representatives. They then demanded payments ranging from €250 to €450 in exchange for supposed visa or consular appointments fees that do not exist in Canada’s immigration system.
Some fraudsters even used WhatsApp numbers to appear legitimate, instructing applicants to send money via informal channels. The High Commission of Canada in Pakistan publicly confirmed the scheme in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stressing that it does not operate any official WhatsApp number and does not charge applicants for booking appointments. It further identified an individual allegedly behind the scam, a man named Rana Usman Khalid, though authorities have not confirmed whether he is being formally investigated.
The High Commission reiterated that visa appointments are always free, and the only valid communication channels are those listed on official Government of Canada websites such as travel.gc.ca.
IRCC: “If someone demands payment through phone, email, or bank transfer it’s a scam”
In its updated advisory, IRCC made it absolutely clear that immigration officers never request payments through phone calls, WhatsApp, social media messages, or direct bank transfers. Canada’s payments are processed exclusively through secure, official online portals.
“If someone claims to represent us and asks for money this way, it is a scam,” the department emphasized, adding that applicants should never rely on third-party instructions sent through messaging apps, free email accounts, or private phone numbers.
The authority also clarified that all IRCC service fees are standardized worldwide, and while payments may be made in local currency, they are always based on official exchange rates and must be submitted through approved payment methods.
A Rise in Scams Targeting New Arrivals in Canada
IRCC’s warning extends beyond Pakistan’s borders. According to the advisory, many foreign nationals including newly arrived Pakistanis face a variety of scams once inside Canada. Fraudsters often target international students, temporary foreign workers, and new immigrants, capitalizing on their limited familiarity with Canadian systems.
Among the most common scams reported are:
- Individuals posing as Canadian immigration or tax officials
- Phishing attempts through emails, SMS messages, and fake websites
- Computer virus scams that claim a user’s device has been “locked” by authorities
- Fake prize notifications or false competition winnings
- Tax-related fraud, especially during tax season
These scams often employ aggressive tactics, including threats of deportation, arrest, or harm to family members. IRCC emphasized that no legitimate Canadian authority uses threats or coercion to demand money or personal information.
“No one can guarantee you a job, visa, or permanent residency”
Another critical point highlighted in the advisory is the misleading promise of guaranteed Canadian jobs or guaranteed immigration outcomes. Advertisements circulated on social media and messaging apps frequently offer “fast-track” visas, “discounted embassy appointments,” or “exclusive job placements,” luring applicants into paying large sums upfront.
IRCC stressed that no consultant, recruiter, or private agent can guarantee a Canadian visa, work permit, or permanent residency. Decisions are made solely by authorized immigration officers, and individuals should rely only on official channels such as Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates.
Red Flags Applicants Should Watch For
To help applicants identify and avoid scams, IRCC listed several warning signs. These include:
- Requests to deposit money into personal bank accounts
- Urgent or immediate payment demands without official documentation
- Instructions to pay through prepaid credit cards, Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards, or similar services
- Threats involving arrest, deportation, or harm for failing to pay
- Promises of special discounts, faster processing, or guaranteed results
- Emails from free domains like Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, or direct contact via WhatsApp and Facebook
Officials urge Pakistanis to be especially cautious, as many recent scams have grown increasingly sophisticated, using forged documents, doctored emails, and fake embassy websites.
High Commission Calls for Vigilance
In its public statement on X, the High Commission urged applicants to cross-check all communication and verify any suspicious contact through official government directories. It confirmed that it does not conduct visa processes over WhatsApp and does not use private numbers for appointments or consultations.
Although the mission did not confirm whether formal action has begun against the individual identified in the scam, officials believe that a complaint is likely underway given the seriousness of the allegations.
A Growing Challenge for Pakistani Applicants
For thousands of Pakistanis dreaming of a future in Canada, this wave of fraud serves as a stark reminder to proceed with caution. As immigration demand rises, so do fraudulent schemes that exploit applicants’ eagerness and lack of access to accurate information. Authorities in both countries are urging the public to rely exclusively on official websites and government portals to avoid becoming victims of financial loss or identity theft.
At a time when more Pakistanis than ever are seeking international mobility, IRCC’s advisory acts as a crucial shield one that applicants cannot afford to ignore.
