Immigrating to a new country comes with many challenges: navigating paperwork, learning a new language, understanding the system among others. Unfortunately, it also comes with risks like scammers trying to take advantage of you. It can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out whether you qualify for a visa or green card, where to find trusted information, and how to make sure you don’t miss anything important. Sound familiar? You’re not alone and you’re not powerless, either!
On top of everything, scammers are out there, and they often target immigrants by playing on fear of deportation and confusion. But with the right information, you can identify them and stay one step ahead.
How to identify those scammers.
Scammers don’t just operate in person, they love using the internet, phones, and even social media. Whether you’re navigating immigration, looking for a job, or just browsing online, scams can show up in many forms. Some try to attract you with promises of easy visas or fast-track services. Others may pretend to be officials from government agencies claiming there’s a problem with your paperwork and demanding upfront payment to “fix” it or risk deportation.
Some of their tactics include:
Unsolicited offers: Emails or phone calls promising visas, citizenship, or fast-track processing that sound too good to be true.
Demands for upfront payment: Especially if they pressure you to pay immediately through unusual methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cash.
Fake official websites: Sites that look legitimate but ask for unnecessary payments or personal information.
Scare tactics: Threatening deportation or legal action unless you act right away.
Requests for sensitive information: You should always be cautious if someone asks for sensitive details like your passport number, Social Security number, or bank information, especially if there’s no clear, legitimate reason. Scammers often already have access to a surprising amount of your personal information, like your full name, address, date of birth, or even nationality. A lot of this can be picked up from social media or online forums, so a request for just one more detail might seem harmless, but it could be the final piece they need to commit identity theft.
Scammers want to make you afraid of losing your immigration status so they can steal your money or personal information. But remember that governments will never call to demand immediate payments to fix a visa issue, so just hang up!
Tips to protect yourself from immigration scams.
Scammers use fear of deportation or lost immigration status to steal your money or personal information.
- Avoid cash payments: Real government agencies never ask for cash-only payments. For example, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) doesn’t even accept cash. If someone demands cash, it’s a red flag.
- Double check, don’t second guess: If someone says they’re a government official, ask to see their ID. Don’t be shy! Contact the agency directly to verify their credentials using the office phone number from their website, not the number they give you.
- No need to pay for forms: You can download immigration forms for free from official government websites. Never pay just to access a form.
- Keep those copies: Stay organized by keeping copies of everything: applications, emails, letters from immigration offices, etc. It can save you headaches later.
- Know the real fees: Government agencies will never charge you hidden fees through email or phone calls. If someone asks for a payment that sounds unusual, verify it through the agency’s official site.
- Protect your sensitive information: Only share your passport number, visa details, or other sensitive documents with verified government officials. Always ask why they need the information and if you have questions, visit a government office directly.
Quick reminders:
- Be cautious of surprising or unexpected offers.
- Watch for promises of “guaranteed visas” or fast-track services.
- Verify credentials and contact information every time.
- Avoid sending money through wire transfers, money orders, or gift cards.
- Resist making rushed decisions out of fear, real government officials don’t operate that way.
- Hang up and contact the agency directly using official channels if you’re unsure
Smarter, Safer, Together #BeFraudSmart
Scammers are counting on confusion and fear. But the more you know, the safer you are. Remember: go slow, verify everything, and never rush into payments or decisions based on fear.
You’ve got this—and there are always trusted resources and people who can help you along the way.
