Visa Scammer Adenike Arowolo
Adeyemi Oshunrinade
March 11, 2024
In recent months, reports have emerged regarding Adenike Arowolo a female Nigerian visa scammer operating within the United States. This individual has been preying on the unsuspecting, exploiting their hopes and dreams for a better future through fraudulent visa schemes. It’s crucial to be aware of this scam to protect yourself and others from falling victim to her deceitful tactics. Before leaving Nigeria in 2023, Arowolo is believed to have duped her employer and while she was being sought for restitution, she escaped to the United States by procuring a U.S. visitor’ visa. It remains unclear how she was able to pass through the visa process without being discovered by U.S. consular officials in Lagos Nigeria.
Also known as “Nike,” Arowolo typically approaches potential victims through various online platforms, social media channels, or even in person. She often poses as a legitimate visa agent or consultant, helping in obtaining visas for travel, work, or medical purposes. Using persuasive language and false promises, she lures victims into her trap, promising quick and guaranteed visa approvals for a fee. In most cases, her victims are those unaware of the visa process who after much convincing, give her money with the hope of being assisted with the application process but end up being scammed at the end.
Her recent victim in Lagos is a Nigerian named Mr. Allison, father of a young son with cerebral palsy. Mr. Allison was in the process of applying for a U.S. visa due to his son’s medical condition which medical experts in Nigeria, certified could be treated in the United States. After much convincing and promise by Arowolo to help with the cumbersome visa process, Mr. Allison paid a fee into a Nigerian account owned by Arowolo. In exchange for the fee, Arowolo agreed to reach out to a named hospital in the U.S. to issue the necessary invitation letter and other documents Mr. Allison and his sick son need at the U.S. consulate in Lagos. Arowolo has absconded with the fee and believed to be moving between states in the U.S. with her last known address in Brooklyn New York. Every attempt to reach her has failed, while Mr. Allison and his son remained in Nigeria unable to get the medical care his son desperately need. Since the scam was revealed, those who know Arowolo have informed of other victims who have fallen prey to her dubious acts.
There are red flags to watch out for to avoid becoming victim of fraudsters like Arowolo. Be wary of unsolicited messages or emails offering visa assistance, especially if they claim to have found your contact information through a random search or social media browsing. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to rush victims into making hasty decisions. They may emphasize limited time offers or threaten consequences for not acting quickly.
Legitimate visa processes involve official fees payable to government agencies or authorized service providers. If someone asks for payment through unconventional methods such as wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, it’s likely a scam. In the case of the victim, Arowolo was introduced to him by a friend, this convinced him to believe it was a genuine process. He paid the fee to a private account before realizing it was a scam. To avoid such a costly mistake, it is important to second guess and verify even if you know the person. Making payments to a private unofficial account is a bad idea.
Authentic visa processes involve the completion of official forms and the submission of supporting documents. If the individual avoids providing detailed information or fails to produce legitimate paperwork, it’s a significant red flag. No legitimate visa agent or consultant can guarantee visa approval. Beware of anyone who promises guaranteed results or claims to have special connections within the embassy. American consulates don’t use the service of private agents to help with the process of obtaining a U.S. visa.
Before engaging with any individual or agency offering visa assistance, research their credentials, reviews, and reputation. Verify their legitimacy through official channels such as government websites or accredited immigration associations. Don’t hesitate to ask probing questions about the visa process, associated costs, and timelines. Legitimate professionals will be transparent and forthcoming with information.
If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. It’s better to walk away from a potentially fraudulent situation than to risk falling victim to a scam. If you encounter suspicious behavior or believe you’ve been targeted by a scammer, report the incident to the appropriate authorities immediately. This helps prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.
Arowolo is believed to have violated her visa terms and possibly attempting to secure residency in the United States. She may also be working illegally or preying on employers unaware of her scams. If you encounter suspicious behavior or believe you’ve been targeted by a scammer like Arowolo, report the incident to the appropriate authorities immediately. This helps prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes. Remain vigilant and skeptical when approached by individuals offering visa assistance, especially if they exhibit any of the warning signs outlined above. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and others from falling prey to fraudulent visa scams.
Adeyemi Oshunrinade is the author of “Medical Malpractice in Health Law.” He also wrote “Wills Law and Contests,” “Constitutional Law-First Amendment” and other publications available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Follow on Twitter @san0670.
Categories: Criminal act, Current Affair
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