A massive Canadian visa scam has made headlines in Cameroon, leaving victims stripped of over 150 million FCFA. Tsamo Toukem Viviane, posing as a Canadian immigration expert, is accused of stealing this sum in exchange for fake visas. The victims discovered the scam at the Douala and Nsimalen airports, where they were turned away during boarding.
Tsamo Toukem Viviane's modus operandi was well-honed. She approached her victims by presenting herself as a specialist in immigration procedures to Canada. She asked them to deposit large sums of money into a blocked account, assuring them that this money would only be released once the visas were obtained. A strategy that built confidence among emigration candidates, willing to do anything to realize their Canadian dream. Some victims thus paid several million CFA francs, bringing the total prejudice to more than 150 million.
The scammer then provided fake Canadian visas, seemingly authentic enough to deceive her victims. The latter, confident, booked their plane tickets and prepared their trip. Reality caught up with them at the airport, where authorities detected the fake visas. While her victims realized the extent of the fraud, Tsamo Toukem Viviane vanished into thin air with the loot.
Unfortunately, this type of scam is not an isolated case in Cameroon. The high demand for visas to Canada, combined with the complexity of the procedures, creates a favorable environment for scams. Unscrupulous individuals take advantage of the desperation of emigration candidates, often willing to do anything to leave the country.
The use of a blocked account as collateral is particularly perverse because it creates a false sense of security among victims. As of March 30, 2026, no arrests have been reported in this case. The victims find themselves without money, without a visa, and without prospects for immediate recourse.
It is crucial to verify the accreditation of travel agencies and consult the official websites of the Canadian government for reliable information on visa applications.
