The holiday season is here, a time for family gatherings, festivities, and, unfortunately, a prime season for scammers to be on the prowl.
Yes, the holiday hustle makes it a perfect time for fraudsters to target people who may be a bit distracted or caught up in the festive rush.
Immigration scams are on the rise during these months, preying on individuals looking to secure visas, reunite with family, or finalize paperwork.
Here’s your guide to spotting and avoiding these scams so you can keep your focus on what matters—celebrating the holidays safely.
Scammers are creative, and their tactics evolve, but here are some common scams that seem to pop up, especially around the holidays.
Imagine getting a call from someone claiming they’re from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), saying you owe a “missed fee” or you’ve got an “immigration fine” to pay.
They might sound convincing, but here’s the truth: real government agencies like USCIS will almost never call you to demand payment over the phone. Legitimate requests for fees or any important notices usually come through the mail.
Pro Tip: If you get one of these calls, hang up. Contact the agency directly using official numbers from their website, not numbers provided over the phone. It’s the safest way to verify if there’s an actual issue with your case.
It’s surprising how many scammers use social media or email to reach out with “too good to be true” offers. Promises of “fast-track visas” or “discounted immigration fees” might appear in your inbox or direct messages.
These scammers often claim they have special connections to expedite your process for a “small fee.”
Key Reminder: Legitimate immigration processes don’t offer rush fees through third-party accounts. Always be skeptical of unsolicited messages, and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources—they could lead to phishing sites or worse.
Sometimes, scammers pose as “consultants” or “immigration agents” who guarantee they can secure visas or green cards. They may charge hefty fees upfront and then disappear or provide false information.
Safety Tip: Only seek help from licensed immigration attorneys or recognized organizations. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can help you find qualified professionals. Remember, real legal professionals don’t make promises about guaranteed outcomes in the complex world of immigration.
Knowing what to look for can be half the battle. Here are some classic red flags that might signal an immigration scam.
Scammers thrive on urgency. If someone is pressuring you to pay or share sensitive information immediately, take a step back.
Pro Tip: Official agencies give you time to respond. They won’t demand immediate action over the phone or online. Slow down and verify before doing anything.
One telltale sign of a scam is the request for payment in unconventional ways—gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Remember: Legitimate immigration fees are sometimes accepted online, and are paid through official government portals, like the official USCIS website. If you’re asked to pay in gift cards or send money to a strange account, it’s almost definitely a scam.
Scammers often send messages riddled with typos or awkward grammar. This might seem like a small thing, but official communications from USCIS or similar agencies are generally polished and professional.
Quick Check: Pay attention to the language in emails or messages. Weird phrases and poor grammar are often signs of a scammer at work.
If you’ve encountered something that seems fishy, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and potentially stop the scammer in their tracks.
If you get a suspicious call or message, don’t rely on the contact information given to you by the potential scammer. Instead, go directly to the official USCIS website or another government agency site to get accurate contact details.
Resources:
Reporting a scam isn’t just about protecting yourself; it helps others, too. Agencies like the FTC and USCIS have channels specifically for reporting fraudulent activities.
If you’ve already sent money to a suspected scammer, reach out to your bank immediately. Some institutions might be able to halt the transaction or provide resources for recovering funds.
Here are a few additional precautions to help you and your loved ones stay scam-free this season.
Beware of “holiday specials” that promise immigration assistance for an unusually low fee. It might sound appealing, but deals on immigration services are almost always a red flag.
Older relatives or newcomers to the U.S. may be particularly vulnerable to scams. A quick conversation about typical scam tactics can go a long way. Let them know that if they ever feel pressured or uncertain, they should reach out to you or another trusted person before taking action.
When seeking information or paying fees, stick to .gov websites. USCIS, for example, only handles payments through its secure portal. Third-party sites often need to be more secure and legitimate.
Here are a few real-life scenarios reported recently, to help you recognize similar situations.
Scammers don’t take a holiday break, but with a little vigilance, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from their schemes.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Immigration scams target thousands of people each year, especially during the holidays. Being informed and cautious is your best defense. Share this guide with family and friends to spread the word.
If you have questions about any immigration processes or need additional guidance, we at Brudner Law are here to help. Feel free to reach out—our team is dedicated to providing you with safe, legitimate support in your immigration journey. Let’s make sure this holiday season is a time for joy, not worry.
Embrace your Future with Brudner Law
