Watch Out For Canadian Visa Scams

Moving abroad, obtaining a visa, and beginning a brand new life in a different part of the world is a stressful time, and the last thing anyone would want is to find themselves scammed while they prepare to build a new life in a strange country. However, this is exactly the situation many people could find themselves in if they aren't careful.

A recent press release highlighted the need to be cautious when it comes to answering emails as there are many scams out there, and some emails purporting to come from the Canadian government have been sent out to try and trick people into handing over personal information such as card details and bank account information. The emails could also leave people vulnerable to computer viruses.

As well as purporting to contain visa information, some emails claim to offer employment opportunities in Canada. These, of course, do not exist, and it is just another blatant scam to try and get people to part with their cash or give away their personal details.

CIC state that they will never ask anyone to send money to them via bank transfer, so if anyone receives an email asking them to wire money, then this should ring alarm bells. The email won't be from the CIC, it is just someone trying to scam you.

Security experts would advise you not to click on a link in an email unless you are absolutely sure where the link will take you. In the case of scam emails, they will take you to website that looks very like the real thing, and people who enter in their personal details risk having their money or identity stolen.

If you need to visit the CIC site, then it is best to go direct to the site and not to an address given in an email. This is the best way of helping to avoid online fraud.

In a press release, Interdean, a company that helps people relocate abroad to countries like Canada, said:

"It's particularly important at the moment for expats thinking of moving to Canada to remain vigilant about identity fraud. With the rise of fake websites, we would suggest matching the address in your browser's address bar when you arrive at a website with what you typed in previously to ensure these are the same. Also, remember that you should never be asked to reveal important personal information by email."