How to avoid and report immigration scams

Why immigration scams are so common

Immigration processes are high-stakes, slow and confusing, and many people are navigating them in a second language. Scammers exploit that by pretending to be government officials, lawyers or insiders who can speed things up. Losses go beyond money: a fraudster may file false or harmful applications in your name, miss deadlines, or take your original documents. Knowing the patterns is the best protection, and our forms and basics guides explain how the real processes work.

What is notario fraud?

In many Latin American and European countries, a "notario publico" is a highly trained legal professional. In the United States, a notary public is only authorized to witness signatures and cannot give legal advice. Some people use the title "notario", "immigration consultant" or "visa expert" to suggest they can handle immigration cases.

• Only licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives of recognized organizations may give immigration legal advice or represent you.
• Warning signs include promises of a guaranteed green card or work permit, claims of special connections at USCIS, advice to lie on a form, refusal to give you copies, and keeping your original documents.
• Some notarios file asylum applications for people who do not qualify, simply to obtain a work permit, which can lead to a Notice to Appear in immigration court.

Many states regulate immigration consultants; their rules and penalties vary.

Phone, email and social media impersonation

Scammers pose as USCIS, ICE, CBP, the State Department or police. They may spoof caller ID to show a real government number, send emails with official seals, or set up video calls with a person in a uniform.

• USCIS communicates mainly by mail and through your USCIS online account. It does not hold appointments or interviews over WhatsApp, Telegram or similar messaging apps.
• No government agency will demand payment by phone or threaten immediate arrest or deportation unless you pay.
• USCIS does not accept gift cards, Western Union transfers to individuals, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal or cryptocurrency.
• Government email addresses end in .gov. Even so, check the content: scammers can spoof sender names.

If you get such a call, hang up. Check your case directly on egov.uscis.gov or in your USCIS account, or call the official USCIS Contact Center using the number on uscis.gov.

Fake Diversity Visa lottery emails

The Diversity Visa lottery is run by the State Department. As of October 2026, entries are made only on dvprogram.state.gov, and the State Department does not email, text or mail winners. Selectees find out only by checking the Entrant Status Check with their confirmation number. Any message saying you "won the green card lottery" and asking for a fee is fraudulent. Sites that offer to enter you, improve your odds or guarantee selection are not affiliated with the program. See green card lottery.

Fake job offers and sponsorship scams

Fraudsters advertise U.S. jobs with visa sponsorship, then charge "processing", "visa" or "training" fees. Others pose as universities to collect tuition from international students.

• A legitimate employer pays most costs of sponsoring a worker; for H-2 workers, charging the worker recruitment fees is prohibited.
• Be wary of offers that come without an interview, ask you to pay to secure the job, or use free email addresses.
• Verify the company independently, and for students, confirm the school is SEVP-certified on the DHS Study in the States website.
• Never pay to receive an I-797 approval notice or job contract (our notice decoder shows what real notices look like); real approvals are sent by USCIS to the employer.

See work visas for how real sponsorship works.

Other common schemes

• Fake form and appointment websites charging for free government forms or appointments; see official visa sites.
• "Guaranteed" expedites or faster processing for a fee; only USCIS decides expedite requests.
• Fake Form I-9 emails to employers; employers do not submit I-9s to USCIS.
• Bond and detention scams targeting families of detained people; pay immigration bonds only through official ICE channels, and learn your rights during ICE encounters. See detention help.
• Marriage fraud offers, which are federal crimes for everyone involved.
• Fake "immigration law firms" on social media that use stolen attorney names or photos; verify the license with the state bar before paying.

How to protect yourself

Quick red-flag checklist

Stop and verify before going further if any of these apply:

• Someone guarantees approval, a green card, a work permit or a visa.
• You are told to pay quickly, in cash, by gift card, by cryptocurrency or to a personal account.
• The person will not give you a written contract, a receipt or copies of what they file.
• You are asked to sign a blank form or one with information you know is false.
• The provider claims a friend or relative inside USCIS, an embassy or ICE.
• The "official" website does not end in .gov, or you found it through an ad.
• A message pressures you to keep the contact secret or threatens arrest.
• Someone asks to keep your passport or original documents.
• A "job offer" requires you to pay for your visa or for training before you start.

If you were already scammed

How to report an immigration scam

Reporting is safe and helps authorities shut scams down. If you are worried about your immigration status, a nonprofit legal provider can advise you before you report. Victims of certain crimes may also be eligible for immigration protections.