UPDATE: Scammers are actively impersonating senior officers from the Department of Home Affairs, targeting visa applicants seeking to travel to Australia. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke issued an urgent warning today, alerting the public about this ongoing scam that involves fraudsters soliciting payments for expedited visa applications.
In a statement released earlier today, Minister Burke emphasized, “Home Affairs officials will never ask people for extra money to process visas faster.” He urged anyone receiving unexpected communications from supposed officials to hang up immediately and verify the contact using publicly available numbers.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that these fraudsters are reaching out to individuals applying for visas, falsely claiming to facilitate the process in exchange for a fee. Minister Burke detailed that some scammers have even requested payment to expedite visa processing, exploiting the vulnerability of applicants.
Individuals are strongly advised to take immediate precautions. If you receive a suspicious call, email, or text message, do not engage; instead, delete it and contact the Department of Home Affairs directly through their official website. Burke highlighted the importance of confirming the legitimacy of any communication by checking your ImmiAccount, where genuine updates will be clearly posted.
Additionally, Minister Burke provided crucial tips for online safety: “Always use unique passphrases, keep your device up to date with the latest software, and use multi-factor authentication if available.” These measures can significantly enhance your protection against scams.
This alert comes at a critical time as many individuals are in the process of applying for visas to travel to Australia, making them prime targets for these fraudulent activities. The Department is working tirelessly to combat these scams and protect applicants from potential financial loss.
As the situation develops, staying informed and vigilant is essential. If you or someone you know is applying for a visa, share this information widely to help others avoid falling victim to these deceitful tactics. Remember, safeguarding your information is the first step in ensuring a smooth application experience.
