#1: How Rina fell victim to a visa scam
Background
Rina dreamed of visiting Australia for a holiday. She saw an ad on social media promising “guaranteed Australian visitor visas” through someone claiming to be a migration agent. Rina messaged the agent, who replied saying they had “special connections” and could fast-track Rina’s visa for a fee.
What happened
Rina sent her passport details and IDR 30 million (approx. AUD $3,000) to the agent, who assured her the visa would arrive within two weeks. She never heard from the agent again. Rina later discovered the visa application was never lodged, and her personal information was at risk of identity theft.
Warning signs Rina ignored
The agent:
- asked for a large cash payment up front
- guaranteed visa approval and fast-track service
- communicated only through a messaging app, with no official office or email.
How to avoid Rina’s mistake
- Never trust promises of guaranteed visas or special connections.
- Find official visa information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Use an Australian-registered migration agent for visa advice – find one at the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority Self-service Portal.
If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Protect your money and identity by using official channels for information about Australian visas.
#2: Ardi’s costly mistake applying for a Working Holiday Visa
Background
Ardi wanted to experience life in Australia through the Working Holiday Maker program. While searching online, he found a website claiming to be an “official partner” of the Australian Government. The site promised guaranteed Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas and job placements for a fee and included several “success stories” about other visa applicants who had secured a WHM visa to Australia.
What happened
Ardi texted the WhatsApp number on the site and transferred IDR 45 million (approx. AUD $4,500) into a bank account using an international money transfer service for the visa and a “guaranteed” job. He handed over his passport number, personal details and even a copy of his bank statement. After payment, Ardi never received a visa or job offer. His personal data was also exposed, putting him at risk of identity fraud.
Warning signs Ardi ignored
The agent:
- promised a guaranteed visa and a job in Australia.
- requested payment via international money transfer to a personal account.
- communicated only through Whatsapp, with no official office or email.
How to avoid Ardi’s mistake
- Find official information about WHM visas on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- WHM visas do not include guaranteed jobs – be cautious of anyone claiming otherwise.
- Use an Australian-registered migration agent for visa advice – find one at the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority Self-service Portal.
- If the agent has paid the visa application charge for you, ask them to email you the receipt and the acknowledgement letter in ImmiAccount to verify this.
There are no shortcuts or guaranteed jobs in the Working Holiday Maker program. Always use official channels for information about Australian visas.
Reporting a visa scam
If you think someone is running a scam about Australian visas, report it to Australia’s Border Watch Online Report.
More information
Learn more about how to stay safe from visa scams.