Relocating abroad is an exciting yet daunting process, especially for Nigerians seeking better opportunities through education, work, or residency programs. Unfortunately, the travel consultancy space in Nigeria is plagued with scams that exploit hopeful applicants. At LegitJapa, we’re committed to providing genuine guidance to help you navigate these pitfalls.

In this post, we’ll expose the 10 most common travel scams in Nigeria and share practical tips on how to avoid them.

1. Fake Visa Approval Scams

How It Works:

Fraudulent agents claim to have “connections” in embassies and promise guaranteed visa approvals for a fee. They may present fake approval letters or ask for bribes.

How to Avoid It:

• Always verify visa requirements on the official embassy website.
• No legitimate agent can guarantee visa approval—only embassies/consulates have that authority.
• Avoid agents who ask for “under-the-table” payments.

2. Study Visa Fraud (Fake Admission Letters)

How It Works:

Some agents fabricate admission letters from foreign universities or manipulate acceptance emails to extort money from students.

How to Avoid It:

• Cross-check admission status directly with the school’s official portal.
• Confirm the school’s accreditation before paying tuition.
• Use the school’s official contact details (not the agent’s provided email/phone).

3. Conference/Event Visa Scams

How It Works:

Agents sell fake conference invitations or exaggerate the ease of converting a short-term visa into a work permit. Many victims end up stranded abroad.

How to Avoid It:

• Research the event’s legitimacy on the organizer’s website.
• Avoid agents promoting “easy” visa conversions—immigration laws are strict.

4. Overpriced Flight & Accommodation Bookings

How It Works:

Agents inflate flight and hotel costs, claiming they have “exclusive deals,” while booking at standard rates and pocketing the difference.

How to Avoid It:

• Compare prices on Skyscanner, Kayak, or Booking.com before paying.
• Book directly with airlines or hotels when possible.

5. Job Offer Scams (Fake Work Visas)

How It Works:

Scammers pose as recruiters offering overseas jobs, demanding payment for “visa processing” or “contract fees.” Victims often receive fake employment letters.

How to Avoid It:

• Verify the company’s existence on LinkedIn or official registries.
• Never pay for a job offer—legitimate employers cover recruitment costs.

6. Marriage/Relationship Visa Fraud

How It Works:

Agents arrange sham marriages or relationships to secure visas, putting applicants at risk of deportation or legal consequences.

How to Avoid It:

• Immigration authorities investigate relationships thoroughly—fake marriages are illegal.
• Use legal routes like skilled worker or student visas instead.

7. Document Forgery (Fake Bank Statements, Certificates)

How It Works:

Some agents alter bank statements, academic certificates, or work experience letters, leading to permanent bans when discovered.

How to Avoid It:

• Submit only authentic documents—embassies verify everything.
• If unsure about requirements, consult official sources or trusted advisors.

8. “Pay-As-You-Go” Scams (Hidden Charges)

How It Works:

Agents lure clients with low upfront fees but later introduce hidden charges for “urgent processing” or “additional paperwork.”

How to Avoid It:

• Demand a written contract with a breakdown of all costs.
• Use transparent services like LegitJapa, where fees are clear from the start.

9. Fake Travel Insurance Policies

How It Works:

Scammers sell counterfeit travel insurance, leaving travelers unprotected in emergencies.

How to Avoid It:

• Purchase insurance only from verified providers (e.g., AXA, Allianz).
• Check policy details on the insurer’s official website.

10. “Guaranteed PR/Citizenship” Scams

How It Works:

Agents promise permanent residency or citizenship in exchange for huge fees, exploiting applicants’ desperation.

How to Avoid It:

• PR/citizenship requires years of legal residency—no shortcuts exist.
• Consult official government immigration websites for accurate timelines.

How LegitJapa Protects You From Scams

At LegitJapa, we combat fraud by offering:

✅ Verified information from official sources.

✅ Transparent pricing—no hidden fees.

✅ Personalized consultations to assess your best legal route.

✅ Direct contacts in 10+ countries for reliable guidance.

Final Tips to Avoid Travel Scams:

• Research extensively—use embassy and university websites.
• Avoid “too good to be true” offers (e.g., “visa in 24 hours”).
• Work with reputable agencies (check reviews and credentials).
• Never share sensitive documents (passport, bank details) with unverified agents.

Relocating abroad should be a smooth, scam-free journey. For ethical, step-by-step guidance, book a consultation with LegitJapa today.