Immigration scams can cost you money and lead to serious problems with your immigration status. They can even steal your identity, causing long-term damage to your finances.
Unfortunately, many scammers target immigrants because they often feel nervous about the immigration process. You might be unsure if you qualify for a green card or visa or how the U.S. government operates.
Language barriers and unfamiliarity with U.S. customs can make it more difficult to spot these scams. You can avoid falling victim to these scams by learning how to protect yourself. Continue reading to discover effective tips for avoiding immigration scammers and ensuring your safety.
Avoid Immigration Scams By Trusting Your Instincts
Immigration scammers can trick you at any stage of the immigration process. They know it can be confusing and try to use it to take advantage of people. Here are some common scams, ways to spot and avoid them, and how to find real help.
In the U.S., only immigration lawyers or people approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) can give immigration advice. The DOJ has a list of approved people and organizations you can trust.
Immigration Lawyer or Notario Scams
In some cases, scammers might pretend to be notarios, consultants, or lawyers to steal your money. In Latin American countries, "notario" means a lawyer, but in the U.S., it’s not the same.
These notario scams are common, and they can harm your immigration chances. Scammers might also ask you to sign blank forms or forms with false information, which can lead to more issues.
How to avoid immigration scams:
- Don’t sign forms with false information, as it can ruin your chances of immigrating legally.
- Immigration forms from USCIS are free. Don’t pay for forms from a third party.
- If you suspect someone is committing immigration fraud, you can file a report with USCIS to help stop further scams.
- Be aware of immigration lawyers’ false guarantees. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Fake WhatsApp and Telegram Accounts
Scammers also use WhatsApp and Telegram to trick immigrants. These immigration scams create fake accounts pretending to be government officials, lawyers, or immigration consultants. .
These scammers might ask for personal information, money for immigration services, or promise quick approvals. If you receive messages from these apps claiming to help with a green card or fiancé visa, it’s likely a scam.
What to look out for:
- The U.S. government does not use WhatsApp or Telegram to send immigration updates.
- Never share personal information or send money through these apps.
- Block and report suspicious accounts immediately.
Email and Phone Immigration Scams
Immigration scams through phone or email are common in immigration fraud. Scammers might call pretending to be from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or USCIS.
They can make it look like they are calling from an official number. Some may even pretend to offer services through fake emails or phone numbers. They may tell you to send money through Western Union, PayPal, or gift cards, saying it’s required to process your application.
What to look out for:
- USCIS will never call to ask for money.
- Always pay fees on the official USCIS website or by check or money order.
- If you receive a suspicious call, ask, “Does immigration call you?” and remember—if it’s a demand for payment, it’s likely immigration scams.
If you ever wonder, “Can immigration call you?” or “Does USCIS call you?”—the answer is no. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will never call you unexpectedly to ask for personal information or payments.
If you receive a phone call offering you a $50 gift card or demanding money, it’s likely a scam. To be sure, you can always call USCIS customer service at 800-375-5283 to verify.
Fake Immigration Lawyers or Government Websites
Some websites might pretend to be connected with USCIS or immigration lawyers. If the website doesn’t end in ".gov," it’s not an official government site. Websites like "www usa lottery gov" are common tricks used by scammers.
These sites might ask for payment for free immigration forms or even steal personal information. Always make sure you’re using legitimate websites of a Boston immigration lawyer near you when looking for immigration help.
How to avoid immigration scams:
- Real U.S. government websites end with ".gov."
- USCIS forms are free. If you’re being charged, it’s a scam.
- Visit the official USCIS website for legitimate information.
- Always verify the immigration lawyer’s website address and social media accounts.
Diversity Lottery Visa Scammers
The U.S. Department of State manages the Diversity Visa Program, also known as the “visa lottery.” It’s free to enter, and winners are chosen randomly. Immigration scammers may claim to increase your chances of winning or charge you to apply.
But no one can improve your chances or charge you to enter. Be careful when visiting websites as scammers may use similar names to trick you.
What you can do to keep safe from immigration scams:
- You can enter the visa lottery once a year at dvprogram.state.gov.
- You don’t need to pay to enter the program.
- Winners are chosen at random, and no one can change the results.
Refugee Immigration Scams
Scammers may target refugees, offering fake government grants or asking for bank details. They may claim to be from the IRS or USCIS. If someone asks you to pay with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, it's a scam.
How to spot an immigration scam:
- If someone contacts you about government aid, talk to your case manager first.
- Never pay for immigration help with a gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency.
- For more information, visit the USCIS page for refugees.
Deportation Scams
One of the scariest scams involves deportation threats. Scammers call or message immigrants, pretending to be government officials. They threaten deportation unless you pay immediately, often asking for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. However, the U.S. government will never ask for money to avoid deportation.
What to look out for:
- The U.S. government does not demand money to stop deportation.
- If you get a call or message like this, hang up. It’s a scam.
- Report these calls to USCIS or DHS right away.
How to Report Immigration Scams
If you suspect you've encountered immigration fraud, it's vital to understand how to report immigration fraud in the USA. You can file an immigration fraud report through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or other authorized channels.
If you know someone engaging in illegal activities, it's essential to learn how to report a person to immigration. You can easily report fraud to USCIS through their official website, helping to stop these scammers from preying on others.
Whether it’s immigration fake marriage reporting or submitting an immigration fraud report. Every action you take will help to protect future immigrants from falling into similar traps. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to these immigration scams, knowing how to report immigration fraud is imperative.
Whether it's counterfeit green cards, immigration marriage fraud, or any other type of scam, reporting immigration fraud is crucial.
Your Safety Is Our Priority!
We have recently heard about immigration scams targeting some of our clients. If you receive any strange calls or messages asking for money, please let us know immediately.
We care about your safety and know how scary getting scammed can be. Make sure you only talk to our real accounts and phone numbers. Your safety is important, and when you speak up, you help keep everyone safe. Let’s stay safe together!
Posted in: Blog