Waikato Police are warning it's a case of buyer beware as vulnerable immigrants fall victim to scammers charging $500 for fake visas stamped in their passports.
District Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Peter Devoy, said initial indications were a meeting had taken place this week at a marae in Hamilton that may have been part of a larger fake visa scam.
"It appears prospective immigrants have been attending seminars and been given assurances that if they pay a $500 fee they will be provided documentation that may include the stamping of their passports with a fake visa.
"We're very much in the initial phase of gathering information before we can make any assessment on what if any offences may have been committed and are appealing for anyone who may have been at this meeting to come forward."
Mr Devoy said Waikato Police are working with colleagues in Counties Manukau and with the Department of Labour on the issue.
"We are confident the strong relationships Police have with Iwi will enable us to identify what has been happening and who is involved.
"We want to remind the public that Immigration New Zealand is the only legitimate body in the country which issues visas and permanent residence and if you've paid money to these people then we need to hear from you."
Mr Devoy further added that for those persons seeking to be issued legitimate New Zealand passports the only way to obtain these was by applying directly to the Department of Internal Affairs.
Anyone who may have fallen victim to the scammers activities or knows the identities of those involved is asked to contact the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 8586200.
Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the confidential crime line, 0800 Busthem (0800 287843).
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