By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
An immigration expert, Harrison Ngoh Mbiseh, has revealed that between 2022 and 2024, fraudulent travel agencies in Cameroon scammed citizens out of a staggering FCFA 8 billion. In an exclusive interview, Ngoh Mbiseh stated that the desperate rush among many citizens to leave the country, has made them vulnerable to exploitation.
“Based on victim reports, FCFA 8 billion was lost to these fake travel agencies during this period,” Ngoh Mbiseh stated.
He explained that these fraudulent agencies often lack a physical address, necessary licenses, and certifications. Furthermore, they typically present poorly designed websites and offer unrealistic pricing, which raises red flags for potential customers.
Ngoh Mbiseh emphasized that the absence of clear terms and conditions, customer reviews, and payment security measures makes it easy for these agencies to exploit unsuspecting citizens. Many of these scams are meticulously crafted to lure individuals into paying for non-existent trips, flights, accommodations, and even fake work and study programs abroad.
“What happens is that they may create fake websites, logos, and contact information to appear legitimate,” he warned. This deceptive practice can lead to significant financial loss for individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
To protect themselves, Ngoh Mbiseh urged citizens to conduct thorough research before engaging with any travel agency. He recommended checking online reviews, ratings, and complaints, as well as verifying licenses and certifications from relevant authorities such as the Association of Cameroon Travel Agents (ARC), International Air Transport Association (IATA), or Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). It is also crucial to confirm the agency’s physical address, investigate its membership in professional associations, and ask for references from past clients.
Additionally, Ngoh Mbiseh called on the Cameroonian government to take decisive action against these fraudulent agencies. He suggested establishing strict licensing requirements and conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance. Furthermore, he proposed creating consumer awareness campaigns to educate the public about the signs of scams and implementing effective complaint mechanisms for victims. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and maintaining a public database of licensed travel agencies could also help in combating this growing issue.
He however indicated that it is imperative that citizens remain vigilant and informed. “By taking proactive steps to verify the legitimacy of travel agencies, individuals can safeguard their financial resources and avoid falling victim to scams,” He said.
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