How to Safeguard Yourself Against Immigration Scam

Immigration scams are currently rampant in the United States. People fall prey to immigration scams through phone calls, websites, emails, and regular mail.

The scammers lure innocent permanent residency applicants into believing they can help get the process done quickly and easily. And often, these scammers have astounding amounts of information on you, making it difficult to understand if it is a scam or real. However, this is exactly why it is important to stay wary.

This article is meant to alert you about several immigration scams and how to protect yourself against scammers.

Some Common Immigration Scams and Tips On Identifying Them to Stay Safe

Here are some of the most common forms of US immigration scams, along with tips on protecting yourself against them.

1. Notario Scams

   Notarios in the U.S. are witnesses and cannot give you legal advice, as they are not licensed attorneys. They will not only charge you money saying they can help with your immigration application but may harm your immigration process. Always approach an attorney or accredited representatives for legal advice, and remember:

   • Never sign blank immigration forms or documents with false information
   • Never share original documents with anyone without the proper authority
   • Official U.S. immigration forms are free. Do not pay for any forms!

2. Scam Immigration Websites

   An official U.S. immigration website, connected with USCIS and the federal government, always ends in .gov. Don’t trust other websites, no matter how official they look, and do follow these tips:

   • If a website asks you to pay for a form, it is a scam
   • Look for accurate immigration information on the USCIS website.

3. Scams Against Refugees

   A common scam against refugees is the promise of getting special grants against a fee. Scammers may also pretend to call the IRS and ask for information like bank account details. U.S. government agencies will never call or contact you for your bank account number. Do consider the following in case you fall for such a scam:

   • If you are a refugee and have been contacted about special government grants or aid, the case manager at your resettlement agency should know immediately
   • Never pay for immigration help through cryptocurrency, money transfer, or gift card
   • Visit the official USCIS website for all your queries

4. Diversity Lottery Scams

   The Diversity Visa Immigrant Program is managed by the U.S. Department of State. It is also called the “visa lottery” because it offers free entry. The winners are randomly selected and can then apply for legal citizenship. Scammers may target people by charging money for applications or promising increased chances of winning the lottery. Make sure you understand the following:

   • You can enter the lottery only once a year following eligibility criteria and using the website dvlottery.state.gov
   • Nobody can predetermine, predict, or manipulate the lottery results
   • Results will only be published in dvlottery.state.gov

Ways to Prevent an Immigration Scam

Now that you know the common immigration scams and how to safeguard yourself. Here are ways to prevent such scams.

• Only approach an attorney or accredited representative about immigration questions and ask to see their law license or accreditation documents first
• Refuse to sign blank forms and demand copies of all your signed documents
Your application form should have no false information
• Seek a second opinion before going through with your application

I Am Already a Victim of an Immigration Scam— What Do I do?

If you have already fallen prey to an immigration scam, report immigration fraud immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You may do this or ask your immigration attorney to report the fraud. You can also approach the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program. Call them at 877-388-3840 or email eoir.fraud.program@usdoj.gov. You should report the incident to state and local authorities too.

Why Choose Dr. Steven Gordon for Immigration Medical Exam?

Dr. Steven Gordon has been a civil surgeon for over two decades and has performed thousands of immigration medical examinations. He understands the USCIS guidelines well and will ensure your tests are done according to the immigration application rulebook.

You need to undergo an immigration medical examination to complete the application process for permanent residency in the U.S. This test can only be conducted by uniformed public health officers or civil surgeons, such as Dr. Steven Wittenberg Gordon, MD. Contact us today!

Also read:

I-693 Form: Everything You Should Know About

When And How To Choose an Immigration Attorney