Where there are paperwork and pressure, scammers follow. As demand for apostille and attestation grows, so do fake services that take your money — and sometimes your original documents — and hand back worthless or forged stamps. Here is how to recognize the frauds and protect yourself.
How the scams work
Fraudulent operators typically lure people with prices or timelines that seem too good to be true, then either disappear with the fees, return a forged apostille that fails verification abroad, or hold documents hostage for extra payments. A forged apostille is especially dangerous — it can be detected at the destination and cause visa refusal or worse.
Warning signs to watch for
- Prices dramatically below the market, or promises of an “instant” apostille.
- No verifiable physical office, only a phone number or social-media page.
- Reluctance to explain the process or provide receipts and a documentation trail.
- Requests for full payment upfront with no tracking or accountability.
- An end product with no online-verifiable apostille number.
How to protect yourself
- Deal only with established, verifiable firms with a real office and a track record.
- Confirm the apostille can be checked online through the official e-Sanad portal.
- Keep copies and scans of your originals before handing anything over.
- Be skeptical of unrealistic speed — legitimate verification takes time.
- Never accept a document you cannot independently verify.
If you suspect a fake
If an apostille fails online verification or a provider behaves suspiciously, do not use the document abroad — a rejected or forged apostille can jeopardize your visa or application. Verify independently, and if needed, start again with a trustworthy provider.
The best defense against apostille fraud is a healthy skepticism of anything that sounds too fast or too cheap, plus one simple habit: only trust an apostille you can verify online. Protect your documents, and you protect your plans.
Quick FAQ
How can I tell if an apostille is fake?
A genuine MEA apostille carries a unique number that can be verified online through the e-Sanad portal. If it cannot be verified, treat it as suspect.
What are common signs of an apostille scam?
Unrealistically low prices, “instant” apostille promises, no verifiable office, no receipts or tracking, and full upfront payment with no accountability.
What should I do if I receive a fake apostille?
Do not use it abroad — it can cause visa refusal. Verify independently and redo the process with a trustworthy provider.
How Manav Corporate Consultants can help
At Manav Corporate Consultants (MCC), we handle the complete apostille and attestation journey — notarization, state and Chamber of Commerce verification, MEA apostille and embassy legalization — with doorstep pick-up and drop across India and genuine, online-verifiable results. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified, MEA-licensed firm, we keep the process fast, transparent and trustworthy.
Mumbai – +91 7738980318 / Chennai – +91 96770 59423 / Pune – +91 9970466594 | info@manavconsultants.com | www.manavconsultants.com