"It has come to the attention of the Embassy that criminals have recently offered to obtain nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to go to the United States", a statement from the embassy said Monday.

"Sometimes, they claim to be Embassy employees. In exchange for money and passport you are given a claim ticket and told to pick up your visa at the Embassy", the statement said.

The embassy warned Guyanese that this is a scam.

It said: "The claim tickets given out by these criminals are false. You should not pay money to anyone to obtain visas for you or your family."

The embassy said it does not sell visas and noted that it is against the law to obtain a visa other than by following set procedures.

It reminded that those interested in applying for a visitor visa, must pay the US$100 processing fee at Citizens Bank in Georgetown, fill out the correct forms and go to the embassy on the appointment date for their interview.

"If your application is approved, you will be told when to return and the Embassy will provide you with the proper claim ticket. If your application is denied, no one from the Embassy will contact you to offer you another opportunity to apply", the statement said.

It said any changes to the above procedures will be publicised and posted at the Embassy's Consular Section.

"At this time, the only required fee is the US$100 processing fee, which you must pay at Citizens Bank. Appointment tickets are only given out by Citizens Bank.

"If someone offers to obtain a visa for you for money, the Embassy encourages you to contact the Guyana Police Force or the Regional Security Officer at the Embassy.