Amidst UK immigration crackdown, visa applicants and migrants are being urged to follow five key checks to avoid falling victim to increasingly sophisticated immigration scams.
Fraud specialists warn that criminal networks are no longer targeting only prospective migrants but also businesses, sponsors, and families, exploiting confusion around visa rules and sponsorship requirements.
With visa fees running into thousands of pounds, the financial and legal consequences can be severe.
Check 1: Confirm the Company Exists
The first step is verify that any recruiting employer is legitimately registered with Companies House.
The public register allows users to check whether a firm is active, who runs it, and whether its details match those provided by recruiters. Experts say impersonation of genuine firms is one of the most common tactics used by fraudsters.
Click this link for the Official page.
Check 2: Verify the Sponsor Licence
Only employers approved by UK Visas and Immigration can legally sponsor overseas workers.
Migrants should cross-check the employer against the Register of Licensed Sponsors before proceeding with any payment or paperwork.
Immigration advisers stress that a genuine employer will never object to applicants verifying their licence.
Sponsor list can be found here.
Check 3: Be Sceptical of Social Media Recruitment
Posts that say “Reply YES and I’ll DM details” are a common red flag. Fraud networks frequently use Facebook, TikTok, and messaging apps to create urgency and bypass scrutiny.
Legitimate recruitment typically involves formal emails, contracts, and verifiable corporate contact details, not informal direct messages.
Check 4: Avoid WhatsApp-Only Communication
Experts warn that scammers prefer encrypted apps because they are harder to trace.
A genuine UK employer or law firm will normally provide:
- A company email domain
- A physical address
- A landline or switchboard
If communication is restricted to WhatsApp or Telegram, applicants should proceed with extreme caution.
Check 5: Remember — Only the Government Grants Visas
No agent or employer can “guarantee” approval. Final decisions rest solely with UK Visas and Immigration.
Anyone claiming special influence or fast-track approval in exchange for extra fees is likely operating a scam.
Check the official visa guidance here.
The Financial Stakes
Falling victim to fraud is particularly costly given the high price of legitimate applications. Typical government fees include:
- Skilled Worker visa: roughly £719 to £1,639 depending on duration
- Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 per year
- Priority services or legal advice: additional costs
When travel and relocation are included, many migrants spend several thousand pounds, making scams even more damaging. Immigration specialists say vigilance is the best defence.
Key recommendations:
Never transfer money to personal bank accounts, request written contracts before payment, use only regulated immigration advisers (check the OISC register, report suspected fraud to Action Fraud or the Home Office.
They emphasise that demand for UK visas remains high, creating an environment scammers exploit by targeting applicants unfamiliar with the system.
Campaigners say better public education is essential as fraud tactics evolve online. Simple verification steps can prevent the majority of scams.
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