Immigration Scams

Immigration scams exploit individuals seeking immigration-related services, such as visas, work permits, or green cards. These scams can lead to significant financial losses, legal troubles, and emotional distress for victims.  These scammers can also collect personal information, putting victims at risk of identity theft. 

Scammers often demand upfront fees for services that are never delivered. Victims can lose substantial amounts of money. Engaging in fraudulent immigration activities can lead to deportation, detention, or even criminal charges. Finally, scammers may request sensitive personal information, which they can use in  identity theft to exploit the victim's financial credit and steal their resources.

• Vague commitments and terms of service. Genuine immigration professionals provide clear contracts and official documents, including fee structures.
• Promises seem unrealistic or the process appears unusually fast.
• Fraudsters claim to be law enforcement and threaten arrest if they don’t pay a fine, typically in  Gift Cards and Other Untraceable Payment Methods.

• Seek assistance from licensed immigration attorneys or accredited organizations. Verify the legitimacy of immigration services or attorneys by checking their credentials and online reviews.
• Avoid paying large sums of money before services are rendered. Legitimate professionals charge fees as the process progresses.  See the Advanced Fee Scam. 
• To avoid identity theft, share personal information only with trusted sources.
• Consult official government websites (e.g., USCIS in the U.S.) for accurate immigration information.

• Keep records of all communications, payments, and documents related to the scam.
• Consult an attorney for guidance on rectifying your immigration status.
• Consider credit monitoring to safeguard against identity theft.
• Report the scam here to local authorities and the appropriate online fraud reporting agencies.

References:

• Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2023). Avoid Scams. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams.
• Brown, K. (2022, July 14). Scammers impersonate US immigration officers. Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved from https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/07/scammers-impersonate-us-immigration-officers.
• Daffan, K. (2019 September 26). Notarios are no help with immigration. Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved from https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2019/09/notarios-are-no-help-immigration.
• Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Avoiding scams: Information for recent refugees and immigrants. Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-scams-information-recent-refugees-and-immigrants.
• Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Scams against immigrants. Retrieved https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/scams-against-immigrants.
• Schifferle, L. (2018 October 16). Immigration help – watch your step. Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/10/immigration-help-watch-your-step.