Did a Woman Really Dupe a Gujarat Resident Under the Pretext of a Canada Visa?
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Synopsis
In a troubling incident from Vadodara, a woman masquerading as a job consultant deceived a local resident out of Rs 4.25 lakh with false promises of a Canadian job and visa. As the investigation unfolds, the alarming rise of visa scams in Gujarat raises serious concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Rajesh Kumar Bapuji Patel was deceived out of Rs 4.25 lakh.
- The fraudster promised a job and visa in Canada.
- Chhani police have filed a case against multiple individuals.
- Visa scams have increased dramatically in Gujarat.
- Awareness is crucial to avoid falling victim to such schemes.
Vadodara, Nov 5 (NationPress) A woman impersonating an overseas employment consultant reportedly swindled a Chhani resident in Vadodara district of Gujarat out of Rs 4.25 lakh under the guise of securing a visa and job in Canada.
The suspect subsequently turned off her phone and has gone into hiding.
According to the complaint filed at Chhani Police Station, the victim, Rajesh Kumar Bapuji Patel, residing in Yoginagar Township near Rama Kaka Dairy, had been seeking overseas job opportunities after struggling to find satisfactory employment in Vadodara.
The police reported that on March 26, Patel received a call from a woman claiming to be Preeti Chauhan from Blue Tech Visa Consultancy.
“She promised to help him secure a Canadian work visa, assuring him that payment could be deferred and deducted from his salary after arriving in Canada,” he explained.
The victim shared his documents, after which he received a call from an international number for a supposed “interview.”
“Later, Chauhan informed him of his selection and demanded money for various reasons, including document verification, embassy fees, setting up a bank account, biometrics, and flight bookings,” he detailed.
Officials noted that Patel transferred a total of Rs 4.25 lakh before Chauhan ceased all communication and turned off her phone.
Chhani police have filed a case against Preeti Chauhan, Prachi Rajput, Mastan Singh, and Yasin, and have initiated an investigation into the fraud.
Visa-related scams have become increasingly prevalent in Gujarat, with cases soaring by over 113 percent in a mere three years.
Police statistics reveal that between 2020-21 and 2022-23, the state logged 139 complaints of visa fraud, resulting in total financial losses of nearly Rs 74 lakh, with only about Rs 41 lakh recovered thus far.
Cities such as Vadodara and Ahmedabad have emerged as hotspots for these scams — Vadodara alone reported 31 cases, while Ahmedabad had 26 in the same timeframe.
The scams primarily involve false promises of Canadian, US, or Australian work visas, forged documents, and fake interviews.
Victims are enticed with guarantees of employment or immigration approval, instructed to pay substantial fees for “processing,” “biometrics,” or “embassy clearance,” only for the fraudsters to disappear.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial for our readers to stay informed about the rising trend of visa fraud in Gujarat. This incident is not just a one-off case but part of a disturbing pattern that demands attention and action from both the authorities and the public. Awareness is our best defense against such scams.
NationPress
26/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the victim in Vadodara?
The victim, Rajesh Kumar Bapuji Patel, was duped out of Rs 4.25 lakh by a woman pretending to be an overseas job consultant who promised him a job and visa in Canada.
How much money was involved in the scam?
The total amount involved in the scam was Rs 4.25 lakh.
What actions have the police taken?
Chhani police have registered a case against the accused and initiated an investigation into the fraud.
Are visa scams common in Gujarat?
Yes, visa scams have surged in Gujarat, with a reported increase of over 113 percent in cases over the past three years.
What should victims of such scams do?
Victims should report the fraud to the police immediately and provide all necessary documentation to assist in the investigation.
