Expat Scams On The Rise: Brits Urged To Beware Fake Visas, Jobs And Insurance
Brits planning a move overseas are being urged to watch out for sophisticated scams targeting new and aspiring expats. The warning comes from travel insurance specialists at Quotezone.co.uk, who are encouraging those starting a new life abroad to familiarise themselves with common fraud tactics. Around 79,000 British citizens emigrated in the year to June 2024, making Brits abroad a prime target for criminals using techniques such as phishing, fake investment schemes, and impersonating officials.
Scammers often exploit those unfamiliar with local laws and systems to aid their efforts to steal personal data and money.
European countries remain a top destination for British movers, with popular motivations including a better work-life balance, improved quality of life, personal safety, and even longer life expectancy.
Greg Wilson, CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Moving abroad can be both stressful and expensive – and falling victim to a scam can make the experience even more difficult.
“Sophisticated scammers are taking advantage of those who have moved to live abroad, who may not yet understand what’s normal in their new country. It’s easy to be caught out by fraudsters looking to steal personal information or money, but recognising the warning signs can make all the difference.
“One of the most important things to remember is to be sceptical, do additional research, and never share sensitive information without additional checks beforehand.
“There’s often a lot of admin and paperwork involved in moving abroad, and while it can feel overwhelming, taking the time to verify everything is essential.
“We’ve outlined some of the most common scams to help Brits spot the red flags and stay safe.”
Here are some of the most common expat scams, according to Quotezone.co.uk:
- Job scams
54% of global expats are workers and professionals and are a key target for fraudsters. While more than 50 countries have launched digital nomad visas, scammers have been known to offer fake work permits, then disappear after being paid for the documentation. Scammers are also posing as recruiters, offering fake jobs to aspiring expats and requesting money for visa fees and paperwork upfront.
- Healthcare scams
Impersonating insurance providers is on the rise, scammers attempt to sell worthless insurance policies which won’t actually cover real medical costs if something were to happen to you when living abroad. Brits moving from the UK who are unfamiliar with foreign insurance regulations are vulnerable to this and can be easily mis-sold policies.
- Phone scams
Once scammers get hold of your phone number, they often impersonate relatives from back home and claim they are in trouble and need you to send money, praying on the vulnerability of your first few months in a new country and distance from relatives.
- Email phishing
Fraudsters will pose as embassies or expat-related services they know British citizens are relying on when moving abroad and will send emails requesting banking information. It is important to double check all email addresses and verify information in several different ways, with credible sources.
- Visa scams
Criminals can also pose as immigration consultants who promise fast-track services to people looking to move abroad with as little fuss as possible. The fraudsters collect large fees but perform no work, leaving expats out of pocket and with no visa.
Quotezone.co.uk helps over 4 million people in the UK every year find savings on all sorts of everyday bills and essentials from foreign holiday home insurance to home, travel and landlord insurance.