The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, has issued a warning about fraudulent Internet resettlement schemes. The resettlement schemes are run by fake organizations claiming UN affiliation and promising attractive resettlement options abroad.
According to UNHCR, refugees are encouraged to apply to the sham resettlement programs by paying an administrative fee, which ranges from around 100 dollars to 1,000 dollars. The fake organizations promise resettlement and employment opportunities in Europe and North America.
UNHCR's spokesperson, Jennifer Pagonis, said the phony deals mainly target refugees in Africa. Refugees are sometimes offered a discount if they can get other people to join the program.
Pagonis clarified that UNHCR does not charges refugees for resettlement or any other services.
