How to Avoid Fake Education Consultants and Online Visa Scams: 7 Steps to Verify Your Admission and Visa

Before you pay any consultant, or anyone who says they have a contact abroad, verify four things yourself: that the university is officially approved, that the admission is confirmed by the university directly, that your visa appointment is booked by you through the official embassy system, and that the person you are talking to is real. Online chat can now be made to look convincing with AI tools, so a friendly message, a believable profile or a polished document is not proof of anything. For the United States, only schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can issue the Form I-20, and you can check any school on the official School Search tool. The visa itself is issued only by the embassy or consulate after you apply and are interviewed, and no one can arrange it for you.

Step 1: Check That the School Is Approved

For the US, search the school on the SEVP School Search tool. If it does not appear, it cannot enroll international students on an F-1 visa. For other countries, check the official government list of approved institutions, such as the designated learning institution list for Canada, the register of licensed student sponsors for the UK, and CRICOS for Australia.

Step 2: Contact the University Directly

Use the email address and phone number on the university’s own website, never the contact details given by an agent or an intermediary. Ask the admissions or international students office to confirm your application, offer letter and, for the US, your I-20 status.

Step 3: Understand What Each Document Means

The I-20 is issued by the university after it accepts you. It is not a visa and does not by itself grant entry to the United States. You then apply for a student visa at a US embassy or consulate, bringing your I-20. Official information for Pakistan is on the US Embassy website, pk.usembassy.gov.

Step 4: Book and Track Your Own Visa Appointment

Apply and book your interview yourself through the official system, using your own account. If someone else says they have “arranged” your visa, tells you the interview date through chat, or keeps changing it, treat that as a warning sign.

Step 5: Do Not Trust Unverified People or Chats

AI tools can imitate a person’s writing style and even create fake profiles that seem real. Be cautious if someone you only know online:

• Claims a relative or contact abroad can get you a visa or admission

• Refuses to speak on a live video call or meet at a known office

• Sends documents only through chat or email, never through a university portal or the embassy

• Pressures you to pay quickly or to keep the arrangement secret

Always confirm identities and offers through the official channels in Steps 1 to 4.

Step 6: Protect Your Money

Pay tuition deposits directly to the university’s official account, not to a personal account or in cash. Keep every receipt and get any agreement in writing. Be wary of anyone who guarantees admission or a visa.

Step 7: If You Have Been Defrauded

Save all messages, receipts and documents, then report the case to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA):

• Helpline: 051-111-345-786 or 1991

• Email: [email protected]

• Online complaint portal: complaint.fia.gov.pk

Also file a report with your local police. Fraud is never the victim’s fault. Talk to your family or someone you trust, and do not face it alone.