Immigration scams are a serious threat that can lead to financial loss, immigration problems, or even identity theft. Immigrants are often targeted by scammers who take advantage of their uncertainty about the immigration process, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with U.S. law. In this article, we’ll go over common immigration scams and how to protect yourself.
Types of Immigration Scams
1. Fake Lawyers and Notaries
One of the most common immigration scams involves individuals who claim to help with immigration paperwork for a fee but either don’t file it at all or apply for benefits that you aren’t eligible for. This can cause more problems than solutions.
Some scammers may call themselves “notaries,” or “notary public.” In some countries, these terms refer to individuals with advanced legal education, but in the U.S., a notary is simply someone authorized to witness signatures—no legal training is required.
Only two types of people are authorized to provide legal immigration advice:
- Licensed Attorneys: Lawyers with state authorization to practice law.
- Accredited Non-Lawyers: Individuals working for specific nonprofit organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Check the DOJ’s lists of accredited representatives or use the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s tool to find a qualified lawyer.
2. Impersonators Posing as Government Officials
Scammers may also pretend to be from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These fraudsters typically contact you by phone, email, or social media, claiming there’s a problem with your immigration status and demanding payment to fix it. They may threaten deportation or visa denials if you don’t pay.
Some common impersonation scams include:
- Phone or Email Scams: Fraudsters pretend to be from DHS or USCIS, asking for personal details or payment via services like PayPal or Western Union. USCIS will never request payments through these methods.
- Social Media Scams: Scammers impersonate USCIS officials on platforms like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) to request money or personal information.
- Deportation Threats: Fake ICE agents show up at your door, demanding money to prevent deportation. Real ICE agents will not ask for money to avoid arrest.
- Diversity Visa Scam: Scammers impersonate the U.S. State Department, claiming you’ve won the diversity visa lottery and asking for payment to process your visa.
3. Fake Websites and Payment Schemes
Scammers may also create fake websites that look like official government pages, leading you to believe you are paying USCIS fees when you’re sending money to scammers. Always check that the website’s URL ends in “.gov” to ensure it’s legitimate.
How to Spot a Scam
Here are some signs that you might be dealing with an immigration scam:
Too Good to Be True:
If someone guarantees you will get a green card or other immigration benefits regardless of your situation, it’s likely a scam.
No Explanation of Process:
Scammers may ask for documents without explaining how they plan to use them or why they qualify.
Suspicious Communication:
Official U.S. government websites and emails always end in “.gov.” Be wary of any communication that comes from a non-government email address or through personal social media accounts.
Unusual Payment Methods:
USCIS will never ask you to pay fees via Western Union, PayPal, or gift cards. Always use official methods, like checks or money orders.
Reporting a Scam
If you think you’ve been targeted or fallen victim to an immigration scam, report it to your local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission. If you receive a suspicious email, do not respond but forward it to the USCIS Webmaster at USCIS.Webmaster@uscis.dhs.gov to help investigate.
Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams
The best way to protect yourself from immigration scams is to stay vigilant and use common sense. Always verify the credentials of anyone offering to assist with your immigration process. By being cautious, you can avoid paying unnecessary fees, protect your personal information, and ensure that your green card or visa application is handled properly under U.S. law.
Being aware of these scams and knowing how to spot them will help you navigate your immigration journey with confidence.
