Newcomers to Canada are being advised to stay alert as immigration fraud continues to target people seeking visas, permanent residence, and citizenship.
- +How to spot, report immigration fraud – IRCC
- +These are the common scams targeting newcomers
Scammers often pretend to be government officials, immigration representatives, or trusted service providers.
Scammers often pretend to be government officials, immigration representatives, or trusted service providers. They may promise guaranteed approval, faster processing, or special immigration opportunities in exchange for money or personal information.
In a post obtained from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s X handle on Sunday, officials warn that no one can guarantee a Canadian visa, permanent residence, or citizenship, noting that immigration decisions are made only by authorised immigration officers, and applicants should rely on official Government of Canada sources for accurate information.
Common signs of immigration fraud include suspicious emails or text messages, requests to send money to personal accounts, demands for payment through gift cards or money transfer services, and threats of arrest or deportation.
Newcomers are encouraged to protect themselves by checking information through official channels, refusing unexpected payment requests, and avoiding sharing personal details with unknown individuals or websites.
Anyone who believes they have encountered immigration fraud should keep records of messages or transactions and report the incident to the proper authorities.
These are the common scams targeting newcomers
People pretending to be Government of Canada officials.
Phishing emails and text messages asking for personal or financial information.
Fake computer virus or technical support scams. Fake prize or contest scams.
How to protect yourself Keep these points in mind:
No one can guarantee you a job, a Canadian visa, or permanent residence.
Only authorized Canadian immigration officers at Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates can decide whether to issue a visa.
Immigration fees are the same worldwide, with local currency amounts based on official exchange rates.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada accepts payments online through its official website.
Ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account.
Pressure you to pay immediately.
Ask you to pay using prepaid credit cards, gift cards, Western Union, MoneyGram, or similar services.
Threaten to arrest or deport you, or send police because of unpaid fees.
Offer special immigration deals or guaranteed approval.
Promise faster processing or approval in exchange for extra money or information.
Ask for your private information unless it is to verify information you have already provided.
