March 30, Colombo (LNW): The Israeli Embassy has issued an urgent warning about an elaborate scam targeting individuals working in Israel on refugee visas, with fraudsters falsely promising legal visa conversions in exchange for money.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, has stressed that such transactions cannot take place without the official involvement of the Israeli Embassy.
He urged workers to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
According to reports, the scammers have been demanding payments as high as Rs. 1.5 million from certain individuals, with some victims already having paid significant sums as advance payments.
The operation appears to be preying on the vulnerabilities of those seeking legal residency, exploiting their aspirations for financial gain.
The Embassy has strongly advised the public against making any payments to unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to facilitate visa conversions.
Authorities have also encouraged victims or those aware of such fraudulent activities to report them immediately, warning that legal action will be taken against those responsible for the deception.
