Understand how scams work
Most scams rely on urgency and trust. An agent promises a guaranteed visa or job, asks for large cash payments with no receipt, and pressures you to decide quickly before you can verify anything.
Remember: no honest consultant or agent can guarantee a visa. Approval is always the destination government's decision.
Verify licences and credentials
For overseas jobs, only deal with licensed recruitment agencies and confirm the licence directly. For study abroad, verify the university and program yourself rather than trusting an agent's word.
Ask for office details, written agreements, and references from past clients you can actually contact.
Demand transparent, written costs
Every fee should be in writing before you pay anything. A transparent, broker-free service discloses all costs upfront, including any commission a university or employer pays them.
If someone refuses to put fees in writing or insists on cash-only payments, stop and find a legitimate provider.
Protect your documents and never misrepresent
Never hand your passport to an agent for safekeeping, and never agree to fake bank statements or forged documents. Misrepresentation can trigger a long-term ban from the destination country.
Keep certified copies of everything you submit and track every step of your application yourself.
Know your rights and where to report
ILO-aligned contracts protect workers from wage deductions, passport confiscation, and unsafe conditions. Know these rights before you sign.
If you encounter a scam or an unlicensed agent, report it to the relevant authorities and warn others in your community. Reporting protects the next family.