Scam alerts
The tricks that target newcomers most, the sign to watch for, and what to do. Patterns, not names: if you see one of these, stop and check.
Eight tricks that target newcomers
Open the one that sounds like what just happened to you. Each has the sign to look for and what to do.
1. The “notario” or immigration consultant
Someone who is not a lawyer offers to handle your immigration case for a fee, and files wrong or false forms, or nothing at all.
- The sign
- Not a lawyer and not on the DOJ list; asks you to sign blank forms; charges for free government forms; keeps your original documents.
- What to do
- Use only a lawyer or a DOJ-recognized non-profit (see Free help). Keep your originals. Report it.
2. A call “from USCIS” or immigration
A caller says there is a problem with your case and you must pay now or be deported.
- The sign
- Threats, pressure to pay at once, and a caller ID that shows a government name.
- What to do
- Hang up. Contact USCIS yourself through uscis.gov. Never pay over the phone.
3. A call “from the IRS”
A caller says you owe tax and will be arrested unless you pay right away.
- The sign
- An unexpected phone call. The IRS writes to you by post first.
- What to do
- Hang up and check your own account at irs.gov, or call 800-829-1040.
4. The rental you cannot see
A listing with low rent asks for a deposit or first month before you can view it; the “owner” is out of the country.
- The sign
- Money before a viewing, pressure to decide today, and payment by wire, gift card or crypto.
- What to do
- See the home in person and meet the person with the keys. Never pay a deposit for a place you have not seen. Report the listing.
5. The job that asks you to pay
A text offers easy remote work or package reshipping, or a “new boss” asks you to buy something or move money.
- The sign
- A job you never applied for, pay that is too good, or any fee to start.
- What to do
- Never pay to get a job. Look the company up yourself. Real jobs are on Sefer's Jobs board with a named employer.
6. The cheque for too much
A buyer or “employer” sends a cheque for more than agreed and asks you to send the difference back. The cheque bounces later and you lose the money.
- The sign
- Being overpaid and asked to refund the extra, often in gift cards.
- What to do
- Do not send anything back. Wait until your bank says the cheque has fully cleared, which can take weeks.
7. “Pay with gift cards”
A “government agency”, utility, tech support or a relative in an “emergency” tells you to buy gift cards and read out the numbers.
- The sign
- Only scammers ask to be paid with gift cards.
- What to do
- Stop. If you already paid, call the gift-card company at once, keep the card and receipt, and report it.
8. “You won the visa lottery”
A message says you won the Diversity Visa lottery, or that a grant for refugees is waiting, and you must pay a fee to claim it.
- The sign
- Any fee to “claim” a win. The DV lottery is free and is entered only at dvprogram.state.gov.
- What to do
- Do not pay. Check your own entry only on the State Department's site.