A troubling wave of immigration fraud is sweeping through Windhoek, and authorities are urging every resident and foreign national to stay alert before it costs them dearly.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has issued an urgent public warning about a growing impersonation scam in which fraudsters make fraudulent telephone calls while posing as government officials.

These criminals falsely claim to hold insider influence capable of fast-tracking the approval of national documents, work permits, citizenship applications, and permanent residence permits - all in exchange for cash.

The brazenness of the scheme is alarming.

According to recent reports, most victims are foreign nationals navigating the often complex immigration system, making them particularly vulnerable to anyone who offers to cut through the red tape for a fee.

Officials confirmed that locals are equally at risk, with scammers casting a wide net across communities in and around Windhoek.

What makes this scam especially dangerous is how convincing it appears on the surface.

Callers present themselves as well-connected insiders, speaking with authority about document processing timelines and referencing real government procedures to build false credibility.

Residents say some individuals have already lost money after trusting these fraudulent calls, believing they were dealing with legitimate ministry representatives.

With the festive season drawing closer, authorities are particularly concerned that opportunistic fraudsters will intensify their activity, targeting people eager to finalise documents before the holiday period.

Executive Director Nghidinua Daniel made clear that no payments should ever be made to private individuals claiming to represent the ministry.

Any such request is a red flag and should be treated as criminal activity.

The public is strongly advised to use only authorised service channels and to process all payments exclusively through official ministry payment systems.

This warning comes against a broader backdrop of rising fraud across Namibia, where impersonation scams have become an increasingly favoured tool among criminal networks targeting both individuals and businesses.

The pattern is clear - and ignoring it carries real consequences.

For those needing guidance or wishing to report suspicious activity, the Ministry's Public Relations Desk is available to assist the public through its dedicated contact lines.