Key Takeaways
• Danish authorities warn of rising visa website and phone scams targeting US, Canada, and UK travelers since January 2025.
• Scammers use fake official calls, urgent threats, and counterfeit visa websites to steal personal and financial information.
• Report suspicious contacts to Danish police at 114 and always apply through official government visa websites.
Danish Travellers Face Surge in Visa Website and Phone Scams: What You Need to Know
Danish travellers are facing a new wave of scams targeting those seeking visas for the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Since January 2025, Danish authorities have issued urgent warnings about fraudulent visa websites and phone scams that trick people into giving away personal information or making payments for fake services. These scams have become more advanced, often using official-looking websites and phone numbers that appear genuine. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how Danish travellers can protect themselves.
What’s Happening: The Latest Scam Warnings
In January 2025, the Danish Immigration Service released a formal warning about a sharp increase in phone scams. Scammers are pretending to be immigration officials, calling people and saying their residence permits are about to expire. They then ask for sensitive information, like the Civil Personal Registration number (a unique ID number used in Denmark), or demand payments to “fix” the problem. These calls often come from numbers that look official, making it hard for people to tell the difference between real and fake.
At the same time, similar scams have been reported in Canada 🇨🇦, where newcomers and international students have received fake calls from people pretending to be from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC has made it clear that they never call applicants to ask for personal details or payments. The UK Home Office has also warned about these scams, showing that this is a global problem affecting Danish travellers and others trying to visit or move to these countries.
How the Scams Work
Scammers use several tricks to fool people:
- Fake phone numbers: They use technology to make their calls look like they’re coming from real government offices.
- Official-sounding language: The callers use words and phrases that sound like real immigration officials.
- Urgency and threats: They say things like “your visa will be cancelled” or “you’ll be deported” if you don’t act quickly.
- Requests for personal details: They ask for your Civil Personal Registration number, passport number, or bank details.
- Fake visa websites: These websites look almost identical to real government sites, but they steal your information or charge high fees for fake services.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone applying for a visa or residence permit for the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, or the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 can be targeted. However, certain groups are especially at risk:
- Danish travellers planning trips or moves abroad
- International students applying for study visas
- Professionals seeking work permits
- People renewing residence permits
- Newcomers unfamiliar with the visa process
Scammers often target people who may not know how official immigration processes work, hoping they will panic and give up their information or money.
Official Statements and What Authorities Are Saying
The Danish Immigration Service has made it clear: they do not call people to ask for personal information or payments. All official communication is done through secure channels, such as official letters, emails from government addresses, or through secure online portals.
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration also reminds people that official application fees are small and clearly listed on their website. No real Danish company or government office will ever ask for large payments or your bank details upfront for a job offer or visa.
Canadian and UK authorities have issued similar warnings. The IRCC in Canada 🇨🇦 and the UK Home Office both say they never ask for personal information or payments by phone or through unofficial websites.
Real-Life Examples and Impact
In recent months, Danish police have received reports from people who lost money or had their personal information stolen after falling for these scams. Some were told their residence permits would expire unless they paid a fee right away. Others received emails or calls about fake job offers in Denmark, with scammers asking for money to “process” the visa.
These scams can have serious consequences:
- Identity theft: Scammers can use your information to open bank accounts, take out loans, or commit other crimes in your name.
- Financial loss: Victims may lose hundreds or even thousands of kroner to fake fees or payments.
- Visa problems: If your information is stolen, it can cause delays or problems with real visa applications.
- Emotional stress: Many victims feel embarrassed, anxious, or afraid after being scammed.
Why Are These Scams Happening Now?
Visa and immigration scams are not new, but they have become more common and sophisticated in recent years. As more people travel, study, or work abroad, scammers see a bigger opportunity to trick people. The use of technology, like caller ID spoofing (making a call look like it’s from a real number), and fake websites has made it easier for scammers to appear legitimate.
The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in immigration rules have also created confusion, making it harder for people to know what’s real and what’s not. Scammers take advantage of this confusion, hoping people will act quickly without checking the facts.
How to Spot a Scam: Warning Signs
Here are some common signs that you may be dealing with a scam:
- Unsolicited calls or emails: You get a call or message out of the blue about your visa or residence permit.
- Requests for personal or financial information: The caller asks for your Civil Personal Registration number, passport details, or bank account information.
- Pressure to act quickly: You’re told you must pay or provide information right away to avoid losing your visa or being deported.
- Unusual payment methods: You’re asked to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Suspicious website addresses: The website looks official but has a strange web address or spelling mistakes.
If you notice any of these signs, stop and check before taking any action.
What to Do If You’re Contacted
If you get a suspicious call, email, or message about your visa or residence permit, follow these steps:
- Don’t share information: Never give out your Civil Personal Registration number, passport details, or bank information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Hang up or delete the message: If you feel pressured or threatened, end the call or delete the message right away.
- Check the source: Visit the official website of the immigration authority for contact information. For Denmark, use the official Danish Immigration Service website.
- Report the scam: Call the Danish police at 114 to report the incident. You can also visit sikkerdigital.dk for advice on digital security.
- Contact your embassy or consulate: If you’re abroad, reach out to the nearest Danish embassy or consulate for help.
How to Apply for Visas Safely
To avoid scams, always use official channels when applying for visas or residence permits:
- United States 🇺🇸: Apply for US visas only through the US Department of State’s official website. Never use third-party sites that promise faster processing or guaranteed approval.
- Canada 🇨🇦: Use the IRCC official website for all applications and information. The IRCC never asks for payments or personal details by phone.
- United Kingdom 🇬🇧: Visit the UK Home Office’s official website for visa information and applications.
If you need to fill out specific forms, always download them from the official government websites. For example, the US DS-160 form for nonimmigrant visas is available here.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you’ve been the victim of a visa website or phone scam:
- Contact the police: Call 114 in Denmark to report the scam.
- Change your passwords: If you gave out any login details, change your passwords right away.
- Contact your bank: If you shared bank information or made a payment, tell your bank immediately.
- Monitor your credit: Watch for any unusual activity on your accounts.
- Seek help: Visit sikkerdigital.dk for advice on protecting your digital identity.
Why Official Websites Matter
Using official visa websites is the safest way to apply for visas and get information. These sites use secure connections, clear instructions, and official forms. They also list all fees and processing times, so you know exactly what to expect.
Unofficial sites may look real but can steal your information or charge high fees for services that are free or much cheaper through the government. Always double-check the web address and look for signs that the site is official, such as a government domain (.gov or .dk).
The Role of Immigration Professionals
If you need help with your visa application, use only trusted immigration consultants or legal experts. Check their credentials and make sure they are registered with the relevant authorities. Never trust someone who guarantees a visa or asks for large payments upfront.
What Authorities Are Doing
Danish, Canadian, US, and UK authorities are working together to fight these scams. They share information about scam tactics, warn the public, and take legal action against scammers when possible. They also run public awareness campaigns to help people spot and avoid scams.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these scams are becoming more complex, and international cooperation is key to stopping them. Authorities are also looking at new ways to verify identities and secure communications, such as two-factor authentication and official app notifications.
Protecting Yourself: Step-by-Step Checklist
To stay safe from visa website and phone scams, follow this checklist:
- Always use official government websites for visa applications
- Never share personal or financial information with unknown callers or websites
- Report suspicious calls or messages to the police at 114
- Consult trusted immigration professionals if you need help
- Stay informed about the latest scam warnings from official sources
Resources and Where to Get Help
Here are some official resources for Danish travellers:
- Danish Immigration Service: nyidanmark.dk – Official site for visa and residence permit information
- Danish Police Emergency Number: 114 – For reporting scams
- SikkerDigital.dk: sikkerdigital.dk – Digital security and scam prevention advice
- Embassy of Denmark in New Delhi: india.um.dk – Work permit instructions and fraud warnings
- Canadian IRCC: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html – Visa applications and fraud alerts
- UK Home Office: gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration – Visa information and scam warnings
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Authorities expect these scams to keep evolving. They plan to:
- Improve digital security: More use of secure logins and official notifications
- Increase public education: More campaigns on social media and in communities
- Work together internationally: Joint task forces to track and stop scam rings
Danish travellers should stay alert and always double-check before sharing information or making payments. By using official visa websites and following the advice above, you can protect yourself from scams and make your travel or immigration plans safely.
Final Takeaways
- Danish travellers are being targeted by advanced visa website and phone scams for the US, Canada, and UK.
- Never share personal or financial information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Always use official government websites for visa applications and information.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Danish police at 114 and seek help from trusted sources.
Staying informed and cautious is the best way to avoid becoming a victim. For more details and the latest updates, always check official government websites and trusted immigration news sources.
Learn Today
Civil Personal Registration number → A unique Danish ID number used for official identification and immigration processes.
Caller ID spoofing → Technology that disguises phone numbers to appear as if calls come from trusted sources.
Residence permit → Official authorization allowing a foreigner to live legally in a country for a set time.
Immigration authorities → Government agencies responsible for managing visas, residence permits, and border security.
Two-factor authentication → A security method requiring two forms of identification to verify a user’s identity online.
This Article in a Nutshell
Since January 2025, Danish travellers face sophisticated visa scams using fake websites and calls. Authorities urge using official sources and reporting suspicious activity to avoid identity theft and financial loss when applying for US, Canada, and UK visas.
— By VisaVerge.com
