Immigration Scams

Immigration scams are a type of attack where the scammer will inform the target, usually by phone, that their visa is in jeopardy. The scammer will then offer assistance to the victim to resolve the issue, often for a fee. Scammers may also ask for other personal information (passport number, financial information, etc.) during this process. These attacks most commonly involve visa renewal, immigration violation, or immigration fees to trick the victim into complying.

Recognize

• Callers may ask for personal information or payment over the phone.
• Callers may ask you to purchase a prepaid card or initiate a wire transfer to pay the fee.
• Attackers often invoke a sense of urgency in their requests to try and gain compliance.
• Government agencies will never ask for personal, sensitive, or payment information over the phone.
• Government agencies will never threaten arrest or deportation if you are not willing to comply.

Respond

• Hang up any call regarding immigration issues immediately and verify the legitimacy through official government channels such as those websites ending with .gov.
• Be suspicious of any unsolicited phone calls or emails.
• Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

Report

• If you suspect you have fallen victim to an immigration scam, contact public safety at 585-475-3333 immediately to begin an investigation.

Some examples of immigration scams where victims are told their visa is in jeopardy include:

• Fake visa renewal scams: Victims are told that their visa is about to expire and that they need to renew it quickly. The scammer will offer to assist with the renewal process, usually for a fee, and may ask for sensitive personal information, such as a passport number or financial information.
• Fake immigration violation scams: Victims are told that they have committed an immigration violation, such as overstaying their visa or working without authorization. The scammer will offer to help the victim resolve the issue, often for a fee, and may ask for personal information or money.
• Fake immigration fee scams: Victims are told that they need to pay a fee to process their visa application or renewal. The scammer will ask for payment in the form of cash, wire transfer, or prepaid card, and may ask for sensitive personal information, such as a passport number or financial information.

Here's what this kind of phone call might look like:

Here is one way you could respond to similar phone calls:

• FTC Consumer Advice - How to avoid immigration scams and get help (external)