Immigration Scams

Immigration scams are deceptive practices that 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 scams 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.

• Research: Verify the legitimacy of immigration services or attorneys by checking their credentials and online reviews.
• Flawed Documentation: Genuine immigration professionals provide clear contracts and official documents, including fee structures.
• Too Good to Be True: Be cautious if promises seem too good or the process appears unusually fast.
• Demands for payments. 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.

• Use Reputable Services: Seek assistance from licensed immigration attorneys or accredited organizations.
• Never Pay Upfront: Avoid paying large sums of money before services are rendered. Legitimate professionals charge fees as the process progresses.  See the Advanced Fee Scam. 
• Secure Personal Information: Share personal information only with trusted sources.
• Government Websites: Consult official government websites (e.g., USCIS in the U.S.) for accurate immigration information.

• Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, payments, and documents related to the scam.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult an attorney for guidance on rectifying your immigration status.
• Credit Monitoring: Consider credit monitoring to safeguard against identity theft.
• Report the scam to local authorities and the appropriate online fraud reporting agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission.

References:

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