As the U.S. government continues to adjust immigration policies, scammers are increasingly exploiting the changes to target immigrants. Many victims have lost significant sums of money, while others have faced serious consequences, including deportation.
Diversity Visa Lottery Scams
Fraudsters frequently exploit the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery by spreading misinformation. Although the DV lottery is free, scammers often charge fees promising to secure a selection, send fake emails claiming applicants have won, or request personal information for misuse.
The DV lottery does not require any payment to enter. No individual or agency can guarantee selection. The U.S. government does not notify winners by email. Applicants must check results through the official government website.
Payment Requests by Phone or Online
Scammers may contact immigrants by phone or electronic communication, requesting payment for immigration services. USCIS does not accept payments via phone, PayPal, or Western Union.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Scams
Fraudulent actors also target TPS applicants, offering registration or re-registration services for a fee. Some may call and claim they can renew forms quickly in exchange for immediate payment. Applicants are advised to seek legitimate legal assistance and verify information before making payments.
Notary Public Misrepresentation
Many immigrants mistakenly rely on notaries for legal advice. In the United States, notaries public are not authorized to provide legal services or immigration advice. Unlike in some countries, they are not licensed attorneys.
Fraudulent Websites
Scam websites often lure immigrants with false promises. All official immigration forms are available for free download. Instructions and fee details can be found on the USCIS website. Official U.S. government websites end in “.gov.”
Job Offers With Visa Promises
Scammers may offer jobs in the United States along with visa sponsorship in exchange for payment. Such offers are often fraudulent, especially if received while the individual is outside the U.S.
Even legitimate job offers do not authorize employment without proper documentation. Individuals must have a green card, work permit, or employment-based visa to work legally. Students in the U.S. should consult their designated school official (DSO) before accepting employment. Those applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) should refer to official government resources.
Scam Emails From India
Fraudsters sometimes send emails claiming to be from the USCIS New Delhi Field Office or the U.S. Department of State in India. These emails may falsely state that a visa application has been approved and request payment for processing.
Official U.S. government emails always end in “.gov.” USCIS generally does not send emails notifying individuals of visa approvals and never requests payments to personal accounts.
I-9 and Email Scams
Employers may receive fraudulent emails requesting completion of Form I-9. USCIS does not require employers to submit I-9 forms. Emails appearing to come from “news@uscis.gov” may also be fake.
If an email is confirmed to be fraudulent, it should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Suspicious emails can also be reported to the USCIS webmaster.
Student Visa Scams
Students outside the U.S. seeking to study in the country are also frequent targets. Prospective students should verify whether a college or university is accredited through official resources such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
To obtain a student visa, applicants must receive Form I-20 from a certified institution after acceptance. Only designated school officials can issue this form. Unaccredited institutions cannot sponsor student visas.
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.
