National Fraud Helpline is issuing a warning about an increase in work visa scams for foreign nationals.
The scam involves tricking overseas workers in the UK into paying for fake visas that allow them to stay in the country and continue to be employed.
Victims will typically lose thousands of pounds to the scam which leaves them unable to work in the country and with no savings to rely on.
Martin Richardson, senior partner at National Fraud Helpline, said: ‘We’ve seen a significant increase in recent weeks in work visa scams.
‘Theses scams play on the vulnerability and desperation of foreign workers.
‘Very often visa scam victims are scraping all of the money that they have in the world to buy these fake work visas. By the time they discover it was a con they have lost everything are have run out of time to apply for a proper visa. It means they become trapped in the country with no ability to work and no money to support themselves.
‘It really is an appallling situation and one that we are keen to highlight.’
The law firm says that that visa scam victims are often introduced to the fraudster through someone that they know at work. This person will pretend to be their friend and then ask for money to help them get the work visa.
Prices for the fake visas vary from £5,000 to £12,000. People wishing to apply for work visas should apply directly to the Government or through an employer who can act as a sponsor.
For more information about legitimate work visas visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK
National Fraud Helpline is currently representing a number of work visa scam victims for whom it is hoping to be able to recover their money.
Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.