Doc Summary
Moving to Australia to study, work, or gain recognition of prior learning (RPL) is exciting—yet scammers target applicants with fake promises, forged documents, and impersonations of official agencies. This guide explains the most common Australian visa scams, how to identify red flags, and practical steps to protect your money, identity, and migration goals.
Key warning signs of a visa scam #
- “Guaranteed” or “100% success” claims, or offers to fast‑track a visa for a fee.
- Pressure to pay immediately, especially via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Unregistered “agents” who refuse to share a Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN).
- Requests for your ImmiAccount login, passport scans, or payment card details via email/DM.
- Websites or emails pretending to be Home Affairs or myGov but using non-.gov.au domains.
- Unrealistic job offers with high salaries for entry-level roles or without interviews.
- Offers to “add experience,” fake RPL, or falsify documents and points.
Common visa and migration scams targeting Australia #
- Unregistered migration agents: Individuals claiming to be agents without a valid MARN. Always verify on the official OMARA register: https://www.mara.gov.au.
- “Fast-track” or guaranteed visa services: No one can guarantee a visa or accelerate processing. See Home Affairs’ advice on scams: Scams, fraud and identity.
- Fake job offers and sponsorship letters: Fraudsters use bogus ABNs and letters to sell “sponsorships.” Verify employers on ABN Lookup: https://abr.business.gov.au.
- Phishing emails/SMS and fake portals: Links to look‑alike login pages steal your ImmiAccount or myGov credentials. Always navigate directly to ImmiAccount or myGov.
- “Visa lottery” messages: Australia has no visa lottery program. Treat any lottery offer as a scam. Check official information at Home Affairs and warnings at Scamwatch.
- Social media/WhatsApp-only “consultants”: Ghost operators who disappear after receiving payment and never lodge an application.
- RPL and qualifications fraud: Fake assessments or unaccredited providers selling “certificates.” Verify registered training organisations on the national register: https://training.gov.au and see ASQA.
- Document and points manipulation: Offers to fabricate work history, English results, or skills assessments jeopardise your visa and can lead to bans.
How to protect yourself #
- Verify professionals: Check a migration agent’s MARN on OMARA. For education advice, confirm institutions and providers are legitimate.
- Use official channels: Create and manage your application via ImmiAccount and consult policy only on Home Affairs.
- Protect your identity: Never share login credentials. Enable multi‑factor authentication, and confirm website addresses end with .gov.au for government services.
- Check employers and sponsors: Validate ABNs on ABN Lookup and be sceptical of jobs with no interviews or unrealistic pay.
- Demand transparency: Ask for a written service agreement, fee breakdown, and official receipts. Avoid cash, gift cards, or crypto.
- Validate RPL pathways: Ensure the RTO appears on training.gov.au and that the qualification code matches your field.
- Do a reality check: Compare promises with eligibility settings on SkillSelect and official visa criteria.
- Keep your records: Save all emails, invoices, and reference numbers for your application and payments.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed #
- Stop contact and preserve evidence: Keep messages, receipts, and URLs. Do not send more money.
- Report it: Submit to Scamwatch and, if identity or cyber issues are involved, report at the Australian Cyber Security Centre. If visa wrongdoing is suspected, notify Border Watch.
- Protect your accounts: Change passwords for ImmiAccount and myGov, enable MFA, and monitor bank/credit activity. Seek identity support via IDCARE.
- Contact your bank and police: If you transferred funds, speak to your bank immediately; consider filing a police report with your evidence.
- Seek reputable advice: Consult a registered migration agent (check via OMARA) or a community legal service to assess your options and correct your application if needed.
How Skills Campus supports safe, successful applications #
At Skills Campus, we put your safety and success first. Our team provides trustworthy guidance on study pathways, skills assessments, and recognition of prior learning (RPL), and we collaborate with reputable, registered professionals where needed. We help you understand official criteria, prepare strong documentation, and avoid high‑risk shortcuts that can jeopardise your visa or future plans.
Ready for expert, ethical support? Visit skillscampus.com.au or speak with us today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Always refer to official guidance from the Department of Home Affairs.
