Public Advisory

Beware of Fake Visas Issued for the Cook Islands

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) wishes to inform the public about the circulation of fake visas claiming to be issued for entry into the Cook Islands. The fraudulent visas are not recognized by the Cook Islands government and will lead to travel or entry being denied for individuals who attempt to use them.

How do I know if the visa is fake?

• Verification of Visa Authenticity: Always verify the authenticity of any visa before travel. MFAI only issues visas through official channels, i.e., through employers, sponsors, or directly to the recipient.
• Official Channels: The only legitimate source for visa applications and information regarding entry into the Cook Islands is through MFAI’s official website: https://mfai.gov.ck/. Be cautious of unofficial websites or third-party services claiming to offer visa services for the Cook Islands.
• Warning Signs of Fake Visas:
  • Unofficial or unrecognized stamps and signatures.
  • Poor-quality printing or inconsistencies with the official document format.
  • Requests for payment to be made to third parties.
• Reporting Suspicious Documents: If you encounter any suspicious visas or documents, please report them immediately to MFAI at [email protected].

Protect Yourself:

To avoid falling victim to these scams, always use official government channels when applying for visas and permits. If you have any doubts or questions regarding your visa application or its authenticity, do not hesitate to reach out to our office.

For more information, please contact:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +682 29-347

Stay safe and informed.

Beware of Fake MFAI Website

It has been brought to our attention that a fake Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) website has been circulated. This fake website is not affiliated with or authorized by MFAI.

To ensure your safety, please:

• Note that MFAI’s official website is https://mfai.gov.ck/
• Do not reply to suspicious emails that require you to enter your personal details.
• Do not follow URLs that direct you to websites claiming to be MFAI.
• Report any suspicious websites or emails to [email protected]

We are working diligently with authorities to address this issue. Your vigilance and cooperation are appreciated.

Fake Employment Scams Targeting the Cook Islands

There is currently a scam offering fake employment opportunities in the Cook Islands that is targeting individuals both locally and internationally, promising attractive job offers that require personal information and payment for processing fees. Please be cautious and follow these guidelines to protect yourself:

Warning Signs of the Scam:

• Check the Employer's Credentials: Ensure the company/business is legitimate by verifying its registration and reviews online. Contact them through official channels listed on their verified website.
• Requests for Personal Information: Scammers often ask for sensitive information such as your passport details and bank account information.
• Upfront Payments: Legitimate employers do not ask for money upfront for job applications, visas, or other processing fees.
• Generic Email Addresses: Be cautious if the job offer comes from a generic email address (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) rather than a professional domain.
• High Salary Offers: If the job offer seems too good to be true with unusually high salaries or benefits, it might be a scam.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the Employer: Research the company offering the job. Check their official website and contact them directly using verified contact information.
• Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid giving out personal or financial information unless you are certain the job offer is legitimate.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious job offer, report it to local authorities.
• Consult Official Sources: Refer to official Cook Islands government or trusted recruitment websites for genuine employment opportunities.

We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to these scams.