Beware of Scams: Community Leader

Wednesday / 15 February 2023

UNHCR has received reports of an individual who claims to have special links with UNHCR due to their status as a community leader. This individual is asking refugees for money to speed up Refugee-Status Determination (RSD) and Resettlement processes to various countries, including Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

This is a scam. All UNHCR services are free. You cannot pay UNHCR staff or any individual to process your case for Registration, RSD, Resettlement, or any other purpose.

Be careful of persons claiming to have special links with UNHCR who can help you obtain resettlement to Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom or any other country in exchange for money. Do not share your personal information with any unknown individuals.

UNHCR does not allow community leaders to receive money or services in exchange for assisting refugees and asylum-seekers in UNHCR processes.

UNHCR will never ask community leaders or community organizations to collect money from refugees in exchange for UNHCR documents, interviews, appointments or resettlement.

Any community leader or community group involved in accepting money or services from refugees in exchange for UNHCR processes will have their role terminated by UNHCR.

Your UNHCR card will not be cancelled and your case will not be delayed or closed if you report suspicious activities to UNHCR.

If you are contacted by individuals claiming to be able to provide UNHCR services (Registration, RSD, Resettlement etc.) in exchange for money, report this to:

  • The police
  • UNHCR using this form

For more information on UNHCR’s processes and assistance, please refer to the Refugee Malaysia website.



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