The Australian High Commission in Dhaka on Tuesday cautioned visa applicants in Bangladesh against common misconceptions surrounding the biometrics collection process, warning that fraudsters may exploit these misunderstandings to extort money from them.

In a post on its verified Facebook page, the mission stressed that receiving a biometrics letter does not mean the visa has been approved. It also clarified that paying extra money will not accelerate the biometrics process and that no visa decision will be communicated at a biometrics appointment.

The High Commission further warned applicants never to provide false information during their biometrics appointment, cautioning that doing so could have serious consequences for their visa application.

"Biometrics collection is just one step in the visa application process. It does not guarantee you a visa," the mission said in its post.

The Australian High Commission directed applicants to its official scam awareness page at bangladesh.embassy.gov.au/daca/scam-safe.html for further guidance on protecting themselves from fraud.