Canada High Commission Exposes New Visa Appointment Scam in Pakistan. The High Commission of Canada in Pakistan has alerted the public about a new visa scam targeting Pakistani applicants. Fraudsters have added a fake WhatsApp number to the High Commission’s Google Maps location and are demanding €250–€450 in exchange for so-called “visa appointments.”
Fake WhatsApp Number Misusing Canada’s Name
In an official post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the High Commission confirmed that it does not use WhatsApp for booking appointments and does not operate any official WhatsApp number. The scammers are falsely claiming to represent the Canadian mission and asking people to pay for appointments that are actually free of cost.
The High Commission also revealed the identity being used in the scam — an individual named Rana Usman Khalid, who is allegedly behind the fraudulent activity.
Official Clarification by the High Commission
The High Commission stated:
- Visa appointments are completely free
- Canada never charges applicants for scheduling appointments
- All communication must be made through official email addresses and verified phone numbers available on travel.gc.ca
The mission urged Pakistanis to remain cautious, avoid contacting any WhatsApp numbers claiming to represent Canada, and rely only on official government channels for visa information.
Conclusion
The Canadian High Commission’s warning highlights the growing risk of online visa scams targeting Pakistanis. Applicants should remain vigilant, avoid unauthorized WhatsApp numbers, and rely only on official government channels. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can protect themselves from fraud and ensure a safe, legitimate visa application process.
