#France
- The last name scam
Agency: Last name not added in form hence we cannot accept this form
Solution: You need to add it only if your maiden surname is changed. If its same in passport you can skip. The form clearly tells to be added only if different. For male travellers this can be skipped and is not mandatory unless change in surname. Also note here surname = whatever is in your passport last name and not in real life.
2. Your form id doesn't match the appointment id scam
Agency: Form id doesn't match the appointment id and need a new form
Solution: There are 2 parts to this. France Form id has a code for location you will submit. That mandatory has to be the same else form will not be accepted and that not a scam. But if the code location is correct and just the number are wrong don't worry. Just give a declaration of Form Id XYZ used for appointment booking but form Id ABC is been submitted. Kindly accept. And you're done. Don't fall for need a new form blah blah.
Format for ready use:
Date:
To,
Visa Officer
Consulate of France
Subject: Mistake in form id
Name:
Passport No:
Form Id:
I [Name of traveller] have booked my appointment with Form Id [Add Appointment Form Id]. Post submission I realised a mistake hence I have filled in a new form in lieu of the same. New Form Id [ Add Form Id].
Request you to please consider the same and help issue me a Schengen Visa
Regards
[Name of Traveller]
3. Form has discrepancy scam
Agency: Form has discrepancy get me new form in 5-7 mins
Solution: The agency has edit rights and can easily do it but they'll ask you to take Premium Lounge or get a new form in 5-7 mins. Yes. 5-7 mins as they know laptops are not allowed in the center and 5-7 mins is very less time to ge the form etc so you'll have no other option but to take Premium Lounge. Also France Emabssy allows submission of additional docs or if late for appointment to submit the same at end of day post 4 pm. Be blunt and tell them this rule and submit.
- Also minor discrepancies can be solved by giving a declaration too.
4. Who filled the form details are not added scam
Agency: Q. 33 details are not added of the person filling the form
Solution: The details are only needed to be filled if the form is filled from another email id and not your own. The agency can see the email used to fill and if its yours you don't need to add the details.
Some other useful info:
In case you're late for the France Visa appointment then you can submit the form at the end of the day post all the other appointments are over. You don't need to book a Premium Lounge or a new appointment.
https://x.com/outofofficedaku/status/1985675581883875621?s=20
#Netherlands
- No pincode in your address scam
Agency: I don't see a valid pin code in your home/office address and I need it or we cannot accept the form. I need a new form in 5 mins else take Premium Lounge where they will fill in your form and correct it.
Solution: The online form has specific placeholder for pin code to be added but optional. Also Netherlands has no jurisdiction so any address you add works and don't need proof. But as the place holder in the form says optional many travellers don't add and then the scam starts. Add it in the address to avoid the scam. If not then can show them the screenshot of the form. Again they won't easily agree so fill in or fight it out.
https://x.com/outofofficedaku/status/2022927968922947993?s=20
2. Surname not added in the form scam
Agency: Your surname is not added in the form which is mandatory
Solution: If your maiden surname is same as when born and in parents name on passport same surname then the last name is not to be added. If you select Yes the surname tab gets hidden and hence cannot be added. Want to avoid the scam can just repeat the surname if needed. Don't bend down to them fo this scam and show them the screenshot and be stern with your answer.
#Switzerland
1. Pin code is not added in thr address on the form scam
Agency: I don't see a valid pin code in your home/office address and I need it or we cannot accept the form.
Solution: Here it gets tricky as the form is mapped to the appointment and a new form or an offline form cannot be filled. Also their form has bugs which are put on the customer to pitch Premium Lounge. While filling the form you need to add the Pin Code along with the address else it doesn't come on the form. While there is a specific place holder for pin code but it won't print on the form. Also any missed things or changes can be solved with a declaration.
Common Scams
Agency: Sex in the appointment letter is Female / Male and not as per needed. This will need new appointment to be booked.
Solution: While the user cannot see the same in the booking only their backend systems show what was actually filled so they play around with the same.
2.
Agency: You need to buy Doctor on Call or Health Plan for document submission for this country
Solution: Not mandatory and show me the same mentioned on the country's official website or check list or even your own agency country webpage. Don't get fooled and be stern about your decision.
https://x.com/outofofficedaku/status/2049087493149237701?s=20
3.
Agency: Will make you unnecessarily so you get pissed and ask them if the process can be done quickly. As you ask they'll jump on you with the Premium Lounge etc etc
Solution: Don't fall for the same but raise your voice against the current timings etc and the slow process etc.
4.
Agency: Your documents are weak and if you opt for the premium lounge your chances to get the visa are higher
Solution: Premium Lounge has no relevance to any process with the Embassy. Don't fall for the same.
5.
Agency: Need print outs of additonal docs. Get it quickly.
Solution: Make sure you agree with a time before leaving the counter. Double confirm with them I will be back by 2:10 PM or 2:15 PM etc else when your comes back they'll say you're late and now cannot accept the docs and need to take a new appointment / Premium Lounge.
6.
Agency: You need passport to be couriered and should I add the service ? They add something called Courier Assurance which is double the charge
Solution: Be very clear and strict and tell them need courier only and not courier assurance. Check before you pay. Courier assurance solves no purpose but to fill their pockets.
to be contd....
This is a ongoing Article and will keep adding info for other countries + new ways they invent to scam
Savdhan Rahe Satark Rahe
#JanhitMeinJaari
