Detection – Is this a scam?
Common signs that you may have submitted a visa or waiver application to a fraudulent site include:
- The visa or waiver approval does not arrive
- The organisation requires additional payment after you submit your application
- The organisation cannot be reached via the website, email address or other online contact details
- The website no longer exists and/or their email address is no longer active
If you are concerned that the company you have engaged to process your visa or waiver may not be legitimate, contact the embassy directly to confirm if your application has been received.
Response – What do I do now?
There is a risk that your passport may be used fraudulently for identification purposes. You may wish to cancel your passport to reduce the risk (Australian passports contact DFAT on 131 232, for NZ passports contact DIA on 0800 22 50 50). If you do not wish to cancel your passport, IDCARE recommends that you:
- Advise your banking and financial services and superannuation fund/s, and Services Australia or RealMe of the compromise of your passport details and request additional security on your accounts.
- Contact all Credit Reporting Agencies for your free credit reports and to arrange credit bans.
- Contact any other organisations that you have used your passport to confirm your identity. Inform them of the compromise and request extra security on these accounts.
If you provided your credit card details, contact your financial institution to advise them of the fraudulent payment, request additional security on your card, and seek advice regarding cancelling the card.
Report the scam – you may not hear back from the agencies, but you will be assisting in raising awareness and reducing the harm caused by these scams to your community.
- In Australia report to ReportCyber and the ACCC
- In New Zealand, report to police online and choose “Report a Police non-emergency”, and to NetSafe
For additional support or information, contact IDCARE by submitting a Get Help Form or call 1800 595 160 (Aus) or 0800 121 068 (NZ).
Disclaimer
Identity Care Australia & New Zealand Ltd (IDCARE) provides identity and cyber security incident response services (the Services) in accordance with the following disclaimer of service:
- IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber incident community support service. IDCARE is a not-for-profit and registered Australian charity.
- The Services provided do not constitute legal advice. IDCARE recommends that you consult your own legal counsel in relation to your legal rights and obligations, including but not limited to your legal rights or obligations under Australian and international privacy and data protection laws.
- While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content provided, to the maximum extent permitted by law all conditions, terms, representations, and warranties (in each case, whether express or implied) in connection with the provision of the Services which might otherwise be binding upon IDCARE are excluded.
- IDCARE’S liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person or organisation (including, without limitation, any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) arising out of or in connection with the Services (including without limited liability for any negligent act or omission, or statement, representation or misrepresentation of any officers, employees, agents, contractors or consultants of IDCARE) shall be limited to the fees paid by you to IDCARE in respect of the Services. For the avoidance of doubt, this limitation of liability extends to any liability arising from any actions performed or not performed as a result of any recommendations made in the course of providing the Services.
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