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A dangerous phishing scam is currently circulating online, targeting individuals seeking Pakistani visas. The Pakistan Consulate in Los Angeles has issued a strong warning regarding a fraudulent message posing as an “important notice” about visa updates. Authorities have confirmed this is a phishing attempt designed to steal personal and financial details from unsuspecting applicants.
The fraudulent message appears legitimate and claims to come directly from the consulate. It urges applicants to click unauthorized links to provide sensitive information. However, these links have zero connection to the government of Pakistan.
Officials warn that these scammers are hunting for critical data. They specifically request passport information, Social Security numbers, bank account details, and credit card data. Once obtained, criminals can exploit this data for identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorised transactions.
Official Stance of Pakistan Consulate: Zero Tolerance
The consulate’s official website now displays a notice confirming the scam. They have explicitly distanced themselves from any unauthorised entities involved in this activity.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Embassy in Washington clarified that the consulate disassociates itself completely from such scams. They stated they will not be held accountable for any consequences if you engage with these fraudsters.
Do not use intermediaries. The consulate emphasised that you must submit all Pakistani visa applications only via the official online portal: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk
Avoid unauthorised agents promising “faster processing” or “special access”. These are major red flags. If a platform asks for your Social Security number or bank information, stop immediately.
For updated guidance, verify information strictly through the consulate’s official page: https://pakconsulatela.org/visa-services
A Global Rise in Digital Fraud
This warning arrives as online fraud spikes globally. According to the US Federal Trade Commission, American consumers reported losing over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 alone. Phishing and identity theft remain the top contributors to these losses.
Pakistan is also seeing a surge in threats. Cybersecurity researchers documented an 18% increase in phishing attacks in 2024. Criminals are increasingly using deceptive links and spoofed communications to steal sensitive data.
Victims of similar multi-million-dollar schemes have lost their entire life savings. Courts in the US and abroad are sentencing these criminals, but prevention is your best defence. The Pakistan Consulate stated:
This advisory is issued to protect applicants from scams that can lead to severe financial and personal consequences.
Stay vigilant. Verify your sources. Report suspicious activity immediately.
