Scammers often target people who are new to the United States. These simple rules can protect your money and your immigration case.
Rules to remember
- Government forms are free. Download immigration forms only from uscis.gov/forms. Some forms have a filing fee paid to the government, but the form itself is always free.
- The government will not ask you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer. Anyone who asks for this is a scammer.
- Be careful with calls, texts and emails that threaten you. Scammers pretend to be immigration, the IRS, Social Security or the police and say you will be arrested or deported unless you pay now. Hang up, and contact the agency yourself using the number on its official website.
- Official U.S. government websites end in .gov. Look carefully before you enter personal information.
- Never sign a blank form or a form you do not understand. Keep a copy of everything you sign or send.
Watch out for “notario” fraud
In many countries, a “notario público” is a lawyer. In the United States, a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give immigration advice or prepare your case. Only a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice can help with your immigration case. See Find legal help.
If you think you were scammed
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Learn about immigration scams and how to report them on the USCIS Avoid Scams page.
- If you paid with a card or bank transfer, call your bank right away.