Stay safe online
Avoid visa scams
Last updated: 18 June 2026
Travel and visa fraud is common online. A few simple checks keep you safe — with us or with any service.
What gov.online will never do
- ✕ Ask for your password — we do not use one.
- ✕ Ask you to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, or a bank transfer to a personal account.
- ✕ Phone or message you out of the blue demanding an urgent extra payment to “release” a visa.
- ✕ Ask for your full card number or PIN by email or chat.
How to check you are in the right place
- ✓ The address bar shows gov.online (or a country sub-domain such as turkey.gov.online) and a padlock.
- ✓ Payment happens on a secure page and you are told the amount and currency before you pay.
- ✓ You receive an application reference starting
GOV-, which you can check on our verify page. - ✓ Be wary of links in unexpected emails or ads — type the address yourself when in doubt.
Report a suspected scam
If you have seen a site impersonating us, or you think you have been targeted, email [email protected] with any links or screenshots. If you have already paid a fraudulent site, contact your bank or card provider straight away — they can often stop or reverse the payment.