Caution: Stay Alert to Immigration Scams

By: Deepika Singh

Immigration scams are on the rise, with fraudsters impersonating government officials to trick individuals into providing money, disclosing personal information, and sharing confidential documents. Victims of these schemes can suffer financial loss, emotional distress, and legal complications. Therefore, it is essential for visa applicants to understand how common scams work and how to protect themselves.  

Common Immigration Scams to Watch For:

• Fake Government Officials: Scammers pose as USCIS, ICE, or U.S. State Department officials, contacting individuals by phone or email. They claim urgent issues with visas, residency status, or citizenship and demand payments or confidential documents.

How to stay vigilant: Immigration decisions are based on legal eligibility, not payments. No real government official will demand immediate payment or threaten deportation without due process.

• Fraudulent Websites: Scammers create fake websites that closely mimic official government pages to steal personal and financial information.

How to stay vigilant: Always verify that you are using a ‘.gov’ website, such as www.uscis.gov, for immigration updates and applications.

• Job Sponsorship & Diversity Visa Lottery Scams: Fraudsters promise U.S. job sponsorships or guaranteed selection in the Diversity Visa Lottery in exchange for upfront fees.

How to stay vigilant: The U.S. government does not charge fees for diversity visa lottery entry, and legitimate employers must follow specific legal procedures for sponsorships. If in doubt, consult a licensed immigration attorney instead of relying on unverified sources.

• Social Security Number (SSN) Scams: Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration (SSA) officials, falsely claiming your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. They may threaten arrest or legal action unless you provide personal information or payment.

How to stay vigilant: The SSA does not call individuals to demand payments or immediate action. 

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always verify the source. USCIS, ICE, SSA, and other government agencies do not demand payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cash apps.
• Always check for website authenticity. Official government websites end in ‘.gov’

Scammers use urgency and threats to force quick decisions. Therefore, applicants should be of on the lookout for any messages featuring pressure tactics.

Conclusion:

If you receive suspicious notices, emails, messages, etc., the Chugh, LLP immigration team is here to help. Contact one of our trusted immigration attorneys to help mitigate scams and ensure your application is filed correctly.

If you suspect a scam, you can report it to USCIS, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state’s attorney general.