What should I do after being scammed by a marriage visa agent while trying to bring my wife to the US?

Aug 31, 2022
2 years ago
Danny ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐮𝐩 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡…

There will be many ups and downs along the journey and today I just found out the person who was suppose to be working on the marriage visa for my wife to be able to come to the US this whole time disappeared… along with all the money that was paid to her… 😩😭😓😭😫

What do I do now… feeling a little helpless and lost.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster expresses frustration after losing money to a visa agent who disappeared, leaving them feeling helpless while trying to secure a marriage visa for their wife to come to the US. The community responds with recommendations to file police reports, do personal research on visa processes, and choose reputable agents. Several members share their own experiences with agents, emphasizing the need for caution and thorough investigation when selecting one.
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Phil ********
the OP posted of his misfortune in his public FB page, Thai defamation laws be damned; including a photo of said agent and unsurprisingly generating a bit more sympathy from his crowd.

The agent has 2 FB friends.

Ever curious, and a fan of true crime genre as well as Conan-Doyle...

something's rotten in the state of Denmark and Baskerville 🙃 555
Maxim ***********
There is something fishy about OP Facebook page, but nonetheless, choosing an agent is like choosing a car mechanic, you need to be careful and investigate beforehand. I have used agents for 10 years and never had any issue. I would never pick an agent without an office in Thailand that I can visit if I wanted to. I would never choose an agent that doesn't have many positive reviews online and people that used them that I can chat with to ask further questions.
กะลาสี *****
That really sucks. I'm sorry to read about your bad fortune.
Stu *******
Hey Mom look a scammer posting on a thread about scamming.

Is that ironic?
Kerry ***********
Scum humans... as for Jody laughing at someone else's misfortune, you are the bloody same
Stefan *******
@Kerry **********
Was thinking exactly the same
Wilmont ******
I can’t fathom why people use agents to accomplish something that they can do themselves.
Stenbjorn *********
@Wilmont *****
do you use a car mechanic? Although there are manuals for almost everything. Or do you use craftsmen in your house even though most can be done by yourself?
Rob ******
@Wilmont *****
generally I would agree on simple matters. If you’ve gone through the process of getting a visa for someone to go to the US, you would know it takes a long time and much paperwork involved. One error or misunderstanding of some form or missing a timeline can force the process to start all over including having to pay fees again. Couple this with some that are working elsewhere and have limited time here, it becomes much simpler and cheaper to pay a professional (for example: if you have to fly back from the States to assist with something, or start over and pay fees again- you just covered the cost of paying a professional). Put it like this: most of us will wash our own cars, but how many of us will repair major collision and engine damage? It’s his money and smart money is always on getting a professional. He just chose the wrong one.
Wilmont ******
@Rob *****
I know and have done it. Comparing this process to cars is apples to oranges. I followed their rules and had no problems and saved tons of baht in the process.
Eric **********
@Wilmont *****
Exactly. You have to gather all the info anyway just go ahead and fill out the forms!
Rob ******
@Wilmont *****
yes, bad analogy, but the sentiment is the same- if you get it wrong, it will cost you more money and more time than paying a professional. Add in different situations and it is often the smarter move. These forms, rules and processes change as what worked for you (maybe decades ago) may not be the way now. In the end, it’s his $ and hopefully you can fathom that.
Damien ********
If you are going to file a Police report (which you should) get yourself a lawyer first and get them to accompany you to the station. I recently had to report a criminal case.. and somehow the way the Police worded it, they turned it into a civil case after 3 weeks... Get the lawyer to check everything...
Rob ******
I initially was going to do it myself: read the rules, filled the forms and was about to file it. Then it came up that I needed to go back soon, I decided I needed someone local to assist and took it all to TSL law. David & Virginia found a few mistakes/omissions and then filed and tracked it all. Once the appointments came along for the consulate and medical evals, they ensured she knew what to do and transport. They were efficient and superb, I highly recommend.
Janet **********
@Rob *****
might i ask what they charge?
Rob ******
@Janet *********
I don’t remember specifically, but remember it being less than $1k USD, and want to say 25-30k THB. I do remember their price being in the middle to upper range of the others I spoke with. That was 8 years ago. I had emailed and called five or six agents that dealt with this and some seemed rather just “run of the mill. Another American that I knew recommended them as he had a friend who utilized them and spoke highly. Their main office is across from the US Consulate and they have/had another one or two elsewhere. Once I met them, I learned David and Virginia are dual citizens educated in the US and David was also still licensed to practice in NV. They seemed to have some connections around. Here is the recommendation that matters: from the time I gave them the paperwork (and left soon after), they stayed in contact with both her & I,and kept things moving. My wife was in the U.S. in just under 5 months (and the US holiday season was in the middle of that). No delays, no problems etc. They prepped her for her interview, set up and took her for her medical eval, etc. if I need legal advice for anything- they will be the first ones I call even if it is just to get a recommendation for a different type of lawyer.
Janet **********
@Rob *****
thanks so much. I may need someone to help my husband navigate this paperwork and I am busy in the states. We decided he should stay and build his business, but covid has totally screwed up the time-line. I appreciate you referral.
Rob ******
@Janet *********
NP. Best of luck.
Mma *******
Who referred you to this person? Take note of the trail, was it an inside job? Real bummer, chin-up mate ;)
Per-e ***************
I think my agent screwed me over too. I always hear "I'll update you later" :(
Sean ***************
My biggest fear with using agent. All I hear is "trust me", but haven't had any want to offer print out, details, time lines, etc. They act like Im the first to ever request clarity and details.
Phil ********
A bloody shame that, innit?

You're not alone, mate.

Many have been ripped off in this way.

What to do now?

File police reports with both the district in BKK you reside & the tourist police, alert the USA embassy of said scammer--

Look into sorting her visa yourself, however daunting, it's not rocket surgery.

Keep calm & carry on.
George *********
**************************


That’s who I am using.
Luc ************
Why did you use an agent? All info how it works can be found on the webpage of the Thai Government.
Rob ******
@Luc ***********
why would the Thai government post (and keep updated) the information to go to other countries and the specifics for each visa? While you probably mean the US website, if your going to questions others method of and basically call them out for being simple or lazy- maybe you should get your statement accurate when doing so…
Luc ************
@Rob *****
did I mention the words "lazy" or "simple"? 🙄🤷‍♂️
Rob ******
@Luc ***********
thus the classifier of “basically”. What other reason to post such an negative and unhelpful comment?
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