Fake Canadian Visas by Bogus Consultancy Ring (Kaavi Tour & Travels) — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated May 28, 2026

Severity: CRITICAL | View Full Scam Details

Beware the Fake Canadian Visa Scam in India 2026: How the Bogus Consultancy Ring Operates

Millions of hopeful Indians seeking jobs and study opportunities in Canada face a rising cybercrime threat: fake visa promises by fraudsters operating under names like Kaavi Tour & Travels.

What Is the Fake Canadian Visas by Bogus Consultancy Ring (Kaavi Tour & Travels)?

This scam involves unregistered travel agencies—often set up near Canadian embassy visa centers in cities like New Delhi and Punjab—that promise guaranteed Canadian visas for jobs or education. These bogus consultancies exploit the hopes of Indian workers and students by pretending to be legitimate agents, using their proximity to official visa offices to build false trust.

Targets are usually young adults and mid-career professionals willing to pay high fees in Indian Rupees for quick visa approval. According to public complaints and reports received by police, this scam has spread across multiple states, preying heavily on individuals who rely on WhatsApp and social media for immigration advice.

While there is no official RBI or CERT-In advisory specifically naming this ring, Indian cybercrime authorities like I4C have repeatedly warned against unverified travel agents and urge people to verify agency credentials before payments. The Reserve Bank of India also cautions users to check UPI transactions carefully for unauthorized debits when paying consultancy fees.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Initial Contact: Victims are approached through WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or referrals, with messages promising easy Canadian visas backed by “approved” job placement or student admission letters.

2. Fake Documentation Offer: The consultancy claims to have inside connections at the visa office, often displaying photos of Canadian embassy buildings or forged visa stamps to convince victims.

3. High Fee Demand: The scammers ask for hefty fees—often tens of thousands of rupees or more—transferred via UPI, bank transfer, or cash payment. These fees are far above legitimate consultancy rates and are non-refundable.

4. Promise of Quick Results: Victims are reassured that their visa will be processed immediately once payment is made and that they will receive travel documents soon.

5. Silence or Excuses: After payment, calls and messages slow down. When victims follow up, they are given excuses like delayed embassy approvals or extra “paperwork” fees.

6. Complete Disappearance: Eventually, the agency stops responding, and victims realize they have been defrauded with no visa or job offer forthcoming.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• Consultancy agency located suspiciously close to visa offices but lacks official registration or a verified government license.
• Fees demanded upfront are unusually high and non-refundable, often requested via UPI ID or direct bank transfer.
• Promises of guaranteed visa approval without an interview or official embassy procedure.
• Use of WhatsApp or social media as the primary communication channel instead of formal office emails or government helplines.
• Pressure tactics to pay immediately to “lock” visa slots or employment positions.
• Lack of verifiable contact information or official documents confirming their links with Canadian authorities.
• Requests for Aadhaar details, PAN numbers, or bank OTPs under the guise of paperwork verification—potential steps toward identity misuse.

What Happens to Victims

Victims suffer significant financial loss, sometimes paying upwards of ₹50,000 or more to these fraudulent consultancies. Given the use of real UPI apps, reversal of payments is often impossible once funds reach scammers’ accounts. This loss can be devastating, especially for migrant workers or students from lower economic backgrounds.

Emotionally, victims face anxiety, shame, and uncertainty after losing money and their chance to travel. Some report attempts by scammers to misuse their Aadhaar or bank details, leading to fears of identity theft or SIM swap fraud. The psychological toll adds to the financial damage, making recovery even harder.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

While RBI’s general warnings advise consumers to only transact with verified and registered travel agencies and to be cautious before sharing sensitive banking details, CERT-In’s cybercrime awareness campaigns highlight the dangers of fake visa scams and urge users to verify any consultancy offering such services.

The Ministry of Home Affairs' Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) recommends reporting such scams promptly through cybercrime.gov.in or by calling the dedicated national helpline at 1930. RBI also provides helpline numbers and advises immediate reporting of unauthorized UPI or bank transactions.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify the travel agency’s registration with Ministry of Tourism or local government ports.
2. Avoid making advance payments via UPI or bank transfers without written contracts.
3. Do not share OTPs, Aadhaar details, or PAN information with unknown agents.
4. Always confirm visa procedures through official Canadian government websites or embassy helplines.
5. Be skeptical of agencies promising guaranteed visas or job placements.
6. Research online reviews and complaints about the agency before engaging.
7. Use only recognized channels for visa applications, and cross-check any WhatsApp or social media contacts.

What to Do If You've Been Targeted

1. Immediately report the incident to the police cybercrime cell in your area.
2. File a complaint on the national cybercrime portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
3. Contact your bank or UPI app provider to block your accounts or payment methods.
4. Call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 for assistance and guidance.
5. Change Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers and bank passwords if you shared credentials.
6. Keep all transaction receipts, chat screenshots, and documents for evidence.
7. Inform family members or friends to prevent further victimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can any travel consultancy guarantee Canadian visa approval?
No legitimate consultancy can guarantee visa approval because visa decisions are strictly made by the Canadian embassy or consulate. Promises of guaranteed visas are a key red flag.

Q: How can I differentiate a real consultancy from a fake one near the embassy?
Verify their registration with the Ministry of Tourism and check for official online presence. Legitimate agencies typically won’t pressure you for large upfront payments or rely solely on WhatsApp for communication.

Q: What should I do if I unknowingly shared my Aadhaar or bank details with this kind of agency?
Immediately notify your bank to monitor or block accounts, change passwords and notify cybercrime authorities. Watch out for unusual transactions or SIM swap attempts and report them promptly.

For any suspicious messages or consultancy offers, always verify credibility at BharatSecure.app and report suspected fraud immediately by calling 1930.

Disclaimer: This article describes a pattern of fraud reported in public sources for public-safety awareness. It is not legal, financial, or medical advice. To request correction or removal of any content, write to hello@bharatsecure.app.