U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued multiple warnings this month, alerting the public about fraudulent schemes targeting immigrants. The agency has used social media more than half a dozen times in February to caution service recipients about various tactics employed by scammers.
On February 4, USCIS warned applicants about fake websites falsely claiming affiliation with the agency, emphasizing that legitimate sites always end in “.gov” and are officially linked to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
On February 6 and February 20, USCIS reiterated that it does not contact individuals through personal social media accounts such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or LinkedIn. Scammers often impersonate USCIS officials on these platforms to trick individuals into providing personal information or making fraudulent payments.
Similarly, on February 10 and February 21, the agency cautioned against fake social media pages, emails, and websites that falsely claim affiliation with USCIS. It urged individuals to verify accounts and ensure that communications are legitimate.
On February 12, USCIS warned about fraudulent job offers from overseas or via email. The agency advised individuals to be cautious of suspicious job offers received before traveling to the U.S., particularly those requiring payment in exchange for employment. These are often scams designed to exploit immigrants seeking work opportunities.
Most recently, on February 25, USCIS issued a critical alert, stating that it does not accept payments via Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or gift cards. The agency also stressed that no payments should be made to individuals over the phone or via email.
To further educate applicants, USCIS has listed more than a dozen common scams on its official website, urging immigrants to remain vigilant. These scams often involve fraudsters impersonating government officials, promising expedited processing for a fee, or offering misleading assistance. The agency advises individuals to verify the legitimacy of any communication or service before proceeding.
One of the most prevalent scams involves government impersonators claiming to be USCIS officials. These fraudsters may contact individuals via social media, email, or phone, requesting personal information or payment for services that USCIS does not charge for. It is crucial to remember that official USCIS correspondence will only come from government-affiliated sources ending in “.gov.”
Another frequent scam involves misleading offers of support. Some individuals falsely claim they can connect applicants with financial sponsors in exchange for fees or personal information. USCIS emphasizes that beneficiaries are not required to repay, work for, or otherwise compensate their supporters for filing Form I-134A or providing financial assistance.
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Scammers also target specific immigration programs, such as Uniting for Ukraine and humanitarian parole processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals. Reports indicate that individuals are being asked to pay unnecessary fees or provide sensitive information under false pretenses. USCIS reiterates that these processes are free and warns applicants to remain alert for fraudulent solicitations.
Additionally, job offer scams prey on foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. Fraudulent recruiters often demand money upfront in exchange for fake job opportunities. USCIS advises job seekers to verify the legitimacy of any employer and understand their work authorization requirements before accepting an offer.
USCIS also warns against scams related to TPS re-registration, fraudulent notarios offering legal services, and phishing emails disguised as USCIS communications. The agency encourages individuals to report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission or their state consumer protection office to help combat these fraudulent activities.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
