HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM VISA SCAMS IN BALI?
Visa scams in Bali change every time and they come in all different styles. Recently at Bali Visa Agency we have had the displeasure of hearing about people getting scammed by untrustworthy agencies and seen multiple agencies (even highly regarded ones) offering dodgy services which can only be derived from a desperate need to make money.
Additionally, there have been hundreds of pop-up agencies opening up every week, most making fake claims to gain your trust, when really, exposing you to serious risk.
In this article, we will reveal the scams, advise why you should be very careful with which visa agency you trust and point out some hints and tips to ensure whichever visa agent you use, you don’t get ripped off.
Relocating or migrating to Bali for whatever reason is a big decision to make in a person’s life. This decision can have a huge and permanent impact on your life and your career. Therefore, you certainly do not want to take this issue lightly, especially when it comes to your immigration process for visas in Bali.
Due to the recent boom of tourism and the economy, visas in Bali applications are in high demand in the region. Hence, many visa agents are appearing in Bali. And the sad news is, not all of them are reliable and some are even downright scammers. Many tourists and foreign investors have been targeted by visa scams in Bali and these scammers always come up with new tricks to fool you.
So what is the best defense? It is to get yourself familiar and updated with the latest immigration law in Bali.
Common Visa Scams in Bali
1. Get your quarantine package from us
These frauds often will ask money from you for your Bali visa application through phone or email. Keep this in mind: the immigration body in Indonesia will never ask for visa payment over the phone or email.
2. We can process your Single Entry Business Visa in only 3 days!
All agencies use the same online portal to apply for visas. Do not be fooled by agencies saying the processing time is less than 3 days, it may take longer due to the amount of applications. Many inexperienced agencies do not know this, so will prophesies these dates, but it is you who will be left feeling misled and frustrated. Please note, in normal times, this number is achievable, just not right now.
3. Selling visas cheap and supplying fake E-Visas
We’ve heard from a number of people who have used dishonest pop-up agencies and when receiving their E-Visa found out it is a doctored document. A reliable Visa agency will be able to provide links to the official Indonesian Immigration website, so you can see for yourself the visa authenticity. Check your Visa Here
4. Request for Money Upfront
Visa scammers will ask for money in advance in exchange for a visa or any migration services, before even providing you with any details about the application.
5. Fake or Unregistered Visa Agents
They promise a 100% visa application success along with a fast-track application. In addition to that, they sometimes charge super-high fees and tell you that it’s because of the fast process and guaranteed result. Even worse, they will not provide you with any agreement or receipt after the payment.
There are a few things you can pay attention to if you want to spot a fake visa agent easily They do not have a:
- Proper office in Bali
- Website with the phone number or email address
- Enough knowledge to answer your Bali visa inquiry
Tips to Stay Away from Frauds for Visas in Bali
These important tips below will definitely help you to ward off the common Visa scams in Bali.
- Don’t Believe in Sweet Promises
Those who tell you that any Bali visa approval and overseas job offers are guaranteed are the ones you should avoid like the plague.
- Only Use Registered Agents or Services for Visas in Bali
Shun those self-proclaimed “agents” in Bali that fail to provide you evidence of any accreditation. All legal visa agents in Bali need to register themselves under Indonesian Law.
Visa agents registered in Bali such as Bali Visas Agency are required to meet registration requirements. We also need to stay updated with the latest immigration law and regulations in Bali.
- Confirm Their Identity and Information
Validate the website, phone number, email address, and physical address provided by the visa agents are accurate. Also, make sure the websites they used are not replicated to trick you into believing it is the official website.
- Ensure All Process Is in Black and White
Transparency is key here. Avoid those agents who make the application process complex and try to hide something. Always ask for a contract and a payment receipt.
A final note
If you choose not to use Bali Visas Agency, please ensure you use a well-established agency.
