Immigration desperation makes applicants vulnerable. Scammers know this and target specific moments: lottery results, RFEs, deadlines, complex applications. Below: the major scam patterns currently active and how to recognize them.
Active scams in 2026
"USCIS Anti-Fraud Division" calls
Scammers call claiming to be USCIS investigators, threatening immediate removal proceedings unless fees are paid. USCIS does not call to demand payment. All real USCIS communications come by mail or through your USCIS online account.
DV Lottery "winner" emails
State Department never emails DV selectees. Status is checked only at dvprogram.state.gov. Variations include "you've been selected, send $300 processing fee," "your visa is ready, wire money to consular officer," etc.
"Pre-approved" employer sponsorship
Companies advertising "guaranteed green card sponsorship" for upfront fees are scams. Real EB-2 and EB-3 require real jobs at real companies that complete PERM labor certification — a process that tests the U.S. labor market and cannot be faked.
"Fast-track" green card services
Services claiming to "speed up" your application via "USCIS connections" are scams. The only legitimate ways to expedite are: premium processing for I-140 ($2,805), expedite criteria for severe humanitarian situations, congressional inquiries through your representative, and (last resort) federal court mandamus.
"EB-5 with guaranteed return"
EB-5 requires capital at risk. Any "guaranteed return" promise is fraud — it voids the immigration eligibility AND constitutes securities fraud. Run from anyone offering 6-8% guaranteed returns plus green card.
Notario fraud
"Notarios" are notaries public — not lawyers, not authorized to give immigration advice in most states. Many advertise immigration services in Spanish-speaking communities. They miss deadlines, file wrong forms, and cause permanent damage to cases. Always verify state bar admission of anyone giving you immigration advice.
"Pay to skip the visa interview"
Embassy interviews cannot be skipped. No service can arrange interview waivers. Anyone claiming otherwise is committing fraud.
Romance scams targeting K-1 applicants
Scammers build online relationships with U.S. citizens, request K-1 fiancé visa filings, then disappear after entering the U.S. (or after USC pays for travel). Common patterns: rapid relationship escalation, requests for money, refusal of video calls, inconsistencies in story.
Verifying legitimate services
For attorneys
- State bar membership — check at the relevant state bar's website
- No active disciplinary actions
- AILA membership is a positive signal (American Immigration Lawyers Association)
- Written fee agreement before any payment
For non-attorney representatives
- DOJ-accredited representatives — verify on Office of Legal Access Programs roster
- Cannot give legal advice or strategy — only fill forms
- Should have specific accreditation paperwork
For form preparers
- Cannot give legal advice
- Reasonable for very simple, routine filings only
- Be cautious — many border on practicing law without authorization
What to do if you've been scammed
- Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- USCIS: uscis.gov/avoid-scams
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- State attorney general (your state)
- State bar (if attorney involved)
- Local police (if money was wired)
- Real immigration attorney to assess case damage
Red flags checklist
- Demands payment by gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Threatens immediate consequences (deportation, visa cancellation)
- Cannot or will not provide written agreement
- Cannot verify state bar membership or DOJ accreditation
- Promises specific outcomes ("guaranteed approval")
- Communicates only through informal channels (WhatsApp, Telegram)
- Pressures urgent action without time to research
- Has no physical office or verifiable business presence
- Asks for original immigration documents
- Wants payment before any work performed