Gujarat Man Duped of Rs 2.7 Crore in Canadian Visa Scam by Nephew

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Key Takeaways

On February 22, 2025, a Vadodara resident reported losing Rs 2.7 crore in a Canadian visa scam involving family members.
Scammers exploit victims through false promises, excessive upfront fees, and forged documents; Rs 30.65 lakh lost in Surat in January 2025.
Canadian PR quotas reduced by 21% in October 2024, intensifying competition and vulnerability to fraudulent schemes targeting immigration hopefuls.

A distressing case has drawn attention to the growing problem of visa scams in Gujarat🇮🇳, particularly linked to Canadian🇨🇦 visas. A man from Vadodara reported losing Rs 2.7 crore in a fraudulent visa scheme planned by his own nephew and other family members. The incident highlights a larger issue in the state, where visa fraud continues to target those aspiring to move abroad, especially to Canada🇨🇦.

Case Details: Family Betrayal and Big Losses

Gujarat Man Duped of Rs 2.7 Crore in Canadian Visa Scam by Nephew

On February 22, 2025, the victim filed a police complaint in Karjan, alleging that his nephew had teamed up with several family members to con him out of a staggering Rs 2.70 crore. Their promise? A Canadian visa. The victim believed their assurances but suffered a massive financial setback when the promises turned out to be false. The Karjan police are now actively investigating the matter.

This case is not isolated. In fact, it’s part of a much wider trend in Gujarat🇮🇳, where people are frequently tricked into paying large sums for Canadian visas. The scammers often exploit the aspirations of those wanting to build a better life abroad.

Similar Scams in Gujarat

The problem of visa scams in Gujarat has escalated in recent years. On January 24, 2025, families in Surat suffered losses amounting to Rs 30.65 lakh after falling victim to a fraudulent visa agent. The accused, Naresh Mehta, convinced the families that he could secure family visas, work permits, business opportunities, or permanent residency in Canada🇨🇦 due to his so-called “connections” with Canadian immigration authorities. Victims paid amounts varying from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 12.8 lakh, believing their visas were being processed.

Another example emerged on February 13, 2025, when a Vadodara resident accused four individuals, including Ramesh and Heena Baldania, of cheating him out of Rs 58 lakh. Like many fraudsters, the accused in this case assured the victim of quick visa approvals, citing their “direct links” in Canada🇨🇦. They even pledged to arrange a work permit and permanent residency within 18 months. Unfortunately, the victim’s trust was misplaced, and he too suffered significant financial harm.

Tactics of Visa Scammers

These incidents underline the sophisticated strategies scammers use to deceive people. Fraudsters often adopt the appearance of legitimate immigration consultants, complete with what seem like authentic credentials. They know how to exploit the hopes of families, especially those seeking opportunities in Canada🇨🇦, by promising guaranteed approvals, insider connections, or quicker processing times. These appeals can be hard to resist for people unfamiliar with official immigration procedures.

The modus operandi typically involves demanding significant money upfront. Scammers explain these as payments for “processing fees,” “security deposits,” or other vague terms. Victims are pressured into transferring funds quickly, often without time to verify the consultant’s credibility. Once they’ve paid, the victims rarely receive updates, and the money is often irretrievable.

Alarmingly, some fraudsters also use forged or manipulated documents to maintain the appearance of trustworthiness. For example, scammers have been known to fabricate fake company registrations and tax details to “prove” the legitimacy of their visa processes. Others create false bank statements, complete with fake transactions, to support fabricated visa applications. Victims, unaware of the deceit, often submit these fraudulent documents as part of their immigration applications, which could lead to serious consequences.

Broader Impact on Victims

The effects of these scams go beyond financial losses. Victims who unwittingly provide incorrect documents may face severe legal problems, including potential visa rejections or bans from entering other countries. Immigration authorities, both in India🇮🇳 and Canada🇨🇦, take a strict stance on such incidents, leaving many victims trapped between losing their money and being accused of violating visa rules.

For example, in 2024, a troubling incident surfaced involving over 7,000 Indian🇮🇳 students in Canada🇨🇦 being at risk of deportation. These students were found to have entered the country with fake acceptance letters provided by unscrupulous agents. This sparked distress not only among the affected students but also among other Indian nationals hoping to migrate.

The risk of falling into such traps has intensified in recent years, particularly as immigration rules in Canada🇨🇦 have grown stricter. On October 3, 2024, reports confirmed that Canada reduced its Permanent Residency (PR) quotas by 21%. This decision has added competitive pressure to the process, with legitimate paths to Canadian immigration becoming narrower. Consequently, some applicants have become more susceptible to scams, believing that promised shortcuts might be their only option.

Police and Legal Actions

To tackle the growing fraud, Indian🇮🇳 authorities, particularly Gujarat police, have stepped up efforts to expose and prosecute scammers. In Surat, for example, the Amroli police booked Naresh Mehta, the 68-year-old fraudster accused of scamming multiple families, on January 22, 2025. In the Vadodara fraud case, police filed significant charges against the accused parties. These actions indicate progress, but the scale of the problem makes enforcing accountability challenging.

Scammers have adapted their methods to evade detection. Some have begun manipulating English proficiency exam scores, such as those on IELTS (International English Language Testing System). In 2024, Gujarat police revealed an IELTS score-manipulation scam aimed at helping students misuse their Canadian visas as a bridge to try and enter the United States🇺🇸 illegally. Such evolving tactics highlight the need for proactive measures to stay ahead of fraudsters.

Steps You Can Take to Avoid Scams

If you’re planning to apply for a Canadian visa or other immigration services, being cautious can protect you from falling victim to these scams. Use the following tips to stay safe:

Avoid any agent who claims to provide guaranteed approvals or fast-track processing times. Visa grants depend entirely on meeting official requirements, regardless of what agents promise.
Never submit large amounts of money upfront, especially without clear documentation explaining the purpose.
Deal only with legitimate, registered immigration consultants or lawyers. You can verify if a consultant is legally allowed to assist with Canadian visas by checking the official Government of Canada website.
Be cautious of requests to provide personal information or sign blank documents. Scammers often exploit this trust to adjust your application for false purposes.

Stricter Policies Needed

The prevalence of visa fraud in Gujarat has created a sense of urgency both within India🇮🇳 and Canada🇨🇦. Indian authorities must continue to increase awareness campaigns and encourage victims to report incidents without hesitation. Meanwhile, Canadian officials may need to adopt even stricter verification procedures for applications originating from high-risk regions. Cooperation between both countries could significantly reduce these fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

The recent case in Vadodara, where a man lost Rs 2.7 crore in a scam orchestrated by family members, reflects the ongoing issue of visa fraud in Gujarat🇮🇳. With the demand for Canadian🇨🇦 visas at an all-time high, fraudsters have used elaborate schemes to prey on unsuspecting victims. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, employing fake documents and promises, leaving victims in financial and legal trouble.

Prospective immigrants must remain informed, exercise caution, and rely on only official channels for visa applications. While authorities like the Gujarat police are taking steps to fight these scams, individuals must remain vigilant to protect their dreams and finances. For authoritative updates on immigration, VisaVerge.com’s analysis emphasizes using robust verification and reporting measures to counter fraud.

Learn Today

Visa Scam → A fraudulent scheme where individuals are deceived into paying money for fake or unapproved visa services.
Permanent Residency (PR) → A status allowing an individual to live and work permanently in a foreign country, like Canada.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) → A standardized English proficiency test often required for visa or immigration applications to English-speaking countries.
Forged Documents → Fake or altered official papers used by scammers to falsely prove legitimacy in visa or immigration processes.
Immigration Consultant → A professional who provides advice and assistance with immigration applications, which must be legally registered to be trustworthy.

This Article in a Nutshell

Visa scams plague Gujarat, with victims losing crores chasing Canadian dreams. A Vadodara man’s Rs 2.7 crore loss, orchestrated by family, highlights rising fraud. Sophisticated scammers promise quick approvals, exploiting hopes. Stay cautious: verify consultants, avoid large payments upfront, and rely on official channels. Protect yourself—don’t let dreams become financial nightmares!
— By VisaVerge.com