Financial Fraud and Blackmail: A Warning for LGBTQI Individuals Seeking Safety

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by

PridePakistan
in

An Important Message from PridePakistan.org

Dear Friends,

We hear you. We know the pain and fear that drive you to seek a new beginning in a safe country. We know the immense struggles you face with persecution, harassment, and discrimination in Pakistan, often leaving you without financial stability or a secure future. Your resilience is a testament to your strength.

In your search for safety, we are heartbroken to learn that many of you are falling victim to a new, insidious form of persecution: fraudulent immigration consultants and blackmailers. These individuals and services exploit your vulnerability, promising a humanitarian or protection visa that they can never deliver.

This page is a critical warning and a guide to help you navigate this dangerous landscape. Please read it carefully and share it with anyone in our community who might be at risk.

The Dangers of Fake Immigration Services

These fraudsters operate with a specific, cruel methodology. They target vulnerable LGBTQI individuals, often through social media or word-of-mouth, promising an easy path to a “safe country.”

Here’s how the scam works:

  1. They ask for “Proof of Identity”: The first step is often a request for sensitive personal information, including photos that prove your queer identity. They claim this is necessary to build a strong case for your visa application.
  2. They demand money upfront: They will ask for money for a visa application, processing fees, and even flight tickets, claiming urgency.
  3. They turn to blackmail: Once they have your personal details, including photos and family information, they use this information to blackmail you for more money.
  4. They make threats and demands: When you cannot pay, they threaten to expose you to your family, your community, or your employer. We have been told of cases where these scammers have even approached the victim’s family directly, revealing their identity. In the most horrific cases, they have made sexual demands on their victims.

This is a vicious cycle of extortion that preys on your desperation. These criminals have no power to issue visas, and they have no interest in your safety. Their only goal is to extract as much money as possible while causing immense psychological and emotional damage.

We are also aware of the dangers of illegal border crossings promoted by these criminal networks. Individuals who have tried to escape persecution this way have found themselves in even more precarious situations—trapped in transit countries like Türkiye, facing prison, arrest, and unlivable conditions where they are still at risk of violence and have no legal protection.

How to Protect Yourself: Spotting and Avoiding Scams

It is crucial to understand that only official government embassies and immigration departments have the authority to issue visas. No third-party consultant, no matter what they claim, can guarantee a visa or grant you special access.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Unofficial Contact Information: Be highly suspicious of any service that uses a personal email address (like Gmail or Yahoo) or a generic social media page. Official communication from embassies and government departments will always come from official domain emails (e.g., ... @gc.ca for Canada, ... @state.gov for the U.S.).
  • Guaranteed Results: No legitimate visa process can guarantee approval. If a consultant promises a “sure” or “fast-track” visa, it is a scam. The visa process is complex and depends on many factors, including the discretion of the immigration officer.
  • Requests for Inappropriate Information: A legitimate visa application will not ask for revealing photos as “proof” of your identity. They will rely on official documents and your personal statement, not private, sensitive content.
  • Upfront Payments for Vague Services: Legitimate visa fees are paid directly to the government department, not to a consultant. Be wary of requests for large sums of money for “processing,” “flights,” or “legal fees” without a formal, verifiable contract.

Finding a Safe and Official Path

The only safe and effective way to seek asylum or immigration is through official, government-run processes. While we do not have direct links with embassies, we can guide you to the official resources you need.

Official Embassy and Immigration Links:

You must always follow the instructions on the official websites of the embassies and governments of the countries you are interested in.

Global Organizations for LGBTQI Protection

Many international organizations are dedicated to helping LGBTQI asylum seekers. While they cannot guarantee a visa, they provide crucial information and support.

  • Rainbow Railroad: A global organization that helps LGBTQI people facing persecution find safe pathways to asylum. Their work is a beacon of hope for many. https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/
  • Rights in Exile: An online resource hub that provides information and legal support for refugees, including a specific directory for sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) cases. https://rightsinexile.org/
  • ORAM Refugee: Protects and empowers LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees globally. https://www.oramrefugee.org/

Report Fraud and Blackmail

If you have been a victim of these scams—whether you’ve been blackmailed, extorted for money, or harassed—we urge you to report it. Your report helps us understand the scale of this problem and allows us to better warn our community. It will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Please report any incidents of blackmail, harassment, or financial fraud related to immigration, both in Pakistan and abroad, to us here:

https://forms.gle/Cwe36ZQiidC4aKkY9

Remember, your safety is our priority. Please do not feel ashamed or alone. These scammers are criminals, and you are a survivor. The path to safety is difficult, but it must be taken with caution and through official channels to avoid further victimization. We stand with you.

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