Immigration desperation is highly profitable for scammers. The most common scams target specific moments of vulnerability: lottery results, RFE responses, imminent deadlines, and the early stages of complex applications. Below: the patterns to recognize and protections that work.
Scam 1: "DV Lottery winner" emails
The Department of State never emails DV Lottery selectees. Status is checked only at dvprogram.state.gov using the confirmation number from your entry.
Variations include emails claiming you won and need to wire "processing fees," call a "consular officer," or submit additional information through a non-government website. All fraudulent.
Scam 2: "Submit your DV entry through us"
DV entry is free and takes 10 minutes at the official site. Services charging $50-300 to "submit" your entry simply fill in the same official form — sometimes incorrectly, voiding your entry. The State Department warns specifically against these services.
Scam 3: Notario/notary public posing as attorneys
In some Latin American legal systems, "notario público" is roughly equivalent to a lawyer. In the U.S., a "notary public" is just a person authorized to verify signatures. Many states prohibit notaries from giving legal advice on immigration.
"Notarios" charging hundreds or thousands for immigration help often provide bad advice, miss deadlines, file wrong forms, or never file at all. Always verify whether your representative is licensed to practice law in your state.
Scam 4: "We can guarantee approval"
No one can guarantee USCIS approval. Anyone claiming a 100% success rate, "special connections," or guaranteed visas is committing fraud. Legitimate immigration attorneys provide assessments of likelihood, never guarantees.
Scam 5: Fake USCIS calls
USCIS does not call to demand fees, threaten deportation, request Social Security numbers, or ask for credit card payments by phone. Calls claiming to be from USCIS demanding immediate payment are scams. Real USCIS communications come by mail.
Scam 6: "Pre-approved" job offers for green card
Companies advertising "guaranteed green card sponsorship" for fees are usually scams. Real employment-based green cards require real jobs at real companies that have completed PERM labor certification. The PERM process tests the U.S. labor market — it can't be faked.
Scam 7: "Investor visa with guaranteed return"
EB-5 capital must be at risk. No guarantees of return are permitted (and any guarantee voids the EB-5 application — it's no longer truly at risk). Promises of "guaranteed" 6-8% returns plus green card are securities fraud and immigration fraud combined.
Scam 8: Fake immigration courts and removal threats
Scammers call claiming immigration warrants, demanding immediate payment to "avoid deportation." Real ICE doesn't call demanding payment. Real immigration court appearances generate paper notices delivered to your address.
How to verify legitimate services
For attorneys
- Check state bar membership at the state bar's website
- Verify good standing (no disciplinary actions)
- AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) membership is a positive signal
- Get fee agreement in writing before paying
For accredited representatives
Non-attorneys can practice immigration law if they're "accredited representatives" recognized by the Department of Justice. Verify through the Office of Legal Access Programs roster.
For form preparers
Form preparers (companies that fill out forms for fees but don't give legal advice) are generally legitimate but can't help with strategy. Use only for very simple, routine filings.
What to do if you've been scammed
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report to USCIS at uscis.gov/avoid-scams
- Report to your state attorney general
- Report to the local police if money was wired
- Contact a real immigration attorney to assess damage to your case