> In the process she was also directed to a non-.gov website for something during the process, I thought she was getting scammed but no.

No clue if this specific instance if scam but such scams have indeed been done before

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdr56vl410go

> According to Ablakwa, a locally recruited staff member and "collaborators" were allegedly involved in a "fraudulent" scheme whereby they extracted money from visa and passport applicants.

> It is alleged that the scheme consisted of creating an unauthorised link on the embassy's website to redirect visa and passport applicants to a private firm where they were "charged extra for multiple services" without the knowledge of the foreign ministry.

> Ablakwa added that the staff member "kept the entire proceeds" in their private account, and that the scheme had been going on for five years.

> Applicants seeking visas were charged unapproved fees ranging from almost $30 (£22) to $60 by the private firm.