What to know about immigration scams

Fraud activity often follows the news cycle. When topics like tax filing, disaster relief, student aid, or healthcare programs gain public attention, scammers often adjust their tactics and messaging to match what people are already hearing—using familiar terms, timelines, and agency names to sound legitimate.

Immigration scams follow this same pattern. Federal agencies have issued guidance on immigration-related fraud, noting that scammers often impersonate government offices or reference real programs to make their messages seem credible.

Whether you’re going through the immigration process, helping someone who is, or just trying to stay informed, knowing how these scams work and how to check what’s real can help you avoid unnecessary risk.

Common immigration scams

Federal agencies, including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), have warned that impersonation is one of the most common tactics used in immigration scams.

In these scams, fraudsters present themselves as officials or professionals connected to the immigration process. Their goal is usually to collect payment or sensitive personal information.

To appear legitimate, they’ll use official-sounding language, reference real government forms, or create a sense of urgency with fabricated deadlines. In immigration-related cases, scammers may claim to represent:

• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• A “notario” or notary public

• An immigration consultant or advocate

• An immigration attorney

Impersonation scams are frequently delivered through phishing, which happens when someone reaches out by email, text, phone call, or social media.

How to spot an immigration scam

While scams can take many forms, they often share similar signs. Asking a few basic questions can help determine whether a message is legitimate or needs closer review:

• Has an official USCIS account been created? People applying for immigration benefits typically create an account directly with USCIS. Messages about applications that were never submitted or started should be double-checked before responding, because USCIS won't contact individuals about applications that don’t exist.

• How did the contact happen? Messages that arrive through social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, online ads, or unsolicited texts are commonly linked to scam reports. Government entities usually begin communication with a mailed notice before using other official channels.

• What are they asking for? Requests for money or sensitive personal information in exchange for immigration help are common scam indicators. Immigration forms themselves are free to download, and legitimate immigration-related fees are only through your official USCIS account, through an authorized government payment system, or—if you are represented—through a licensed attorney or DOJ‑accredited representative submitting payment on your behalf. Government agencies do not accept payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps. They also don’t ask for copies of passports, Alien Registration Numbers, or similar details through unsecure methods.

• Who are they claiming to be? In some countries, a “notario” is a legal professional with authority similar to a lawyer. In the United States, notary publics have limited roles and cannot provide immigration legal advice unless they are also licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. If someone claims to be an immigration lawyer or consultant, their credentials can be verified by:

  • Checking attorney licensing with a state bar association

  • Reviewing the Department of Justice’s list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives

  • Searching DOJ-maintained lists of pro bono immigration attorneys

  • Using established advocacy networks such as the Immigration Advocates Network

• Does the message look official? Legitimate government and nonprofit communications are typically well written and use official branding. Government websites and email addresses end in .gov, while most legitimate nonprofit organizations use .org domains. Messages with spelling errors, unusual formatting, or links urging immediate action may need closer scrutiny.

• Are guarantees or expedited results being promised? No one can guarantee approval, speed, or success in an immigration case. Claims that promise guaranteed outcomes or faster processing are commonly associated with scams.

• Is a job offer involved? Unsolicited job offers that don’t involve interviews, promise unusually high pay, or require upfront fees are often fraudulent. Employment-based immigration follows formal legal steps and doesn’t start through informal messages.

Five ways to avoid immigration scams

The immigration process can be lengthy and complex. A few precautions can help lower the risk of running into a scam.

• Stay informed about common immigration scams. The USCIS and the FTC both maintain updated lists, including resources in multiple languages.

• Download immigration forms only from official government websites. Avoid signing blank forms or sharing sensitive identifiers unless required through verified channels.

• If a call or message seems suspicious, end the interaction and block the sender.

• Pay immigration-related fees only through an official USCIS account or authorized government payment system.

If money has already been sent to a scammer, contact your bank or credit card provider right away, update your account passwords, and consider placing a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.