Uncertain times often bring out the worst in people—including scammers. There are always scammers who take advantage of deportation fears to trick immigrants out of their hard-earned money. Here are some of the top immigration scams to watch out for in 2025 and how to protect yourself and the people you love.
Scammers Who Pretend To Be ICE or Other Government Officials
Scammers are increasingly impersonating ICE and other government officials. Their goal is to steal money and personal information. To do this, they may call, text or email you with threats and false claims. You may hear that you’ve violated immigration laws or are in danger of arrest and deportation.
These fake officials will often give you a tight deadline and demand money. You may hear that you must pay them today to avoid consequences. Or, they may ask for your social security number, bank account details or other sensitive information.
False Promises of Guaranteed Visa Approvals
Each immigration case is unique and based on specific facts. Especially in uncertain times, it’s impossible to promise someone a “guaranteed” outcome. If you hear from an attorney who guarantees you a green card, visa or citizenship, it’s likely a scam. There are no guarantees in immigration in 2025.
If you hear a lawyer promising specific outcomes, review the deal with caution and skepticism. Confirm the lawyer’s identity with the state bar association. If someone is not a licensed attorney, don’t give them your personal information or money.
Fake Job Offers and Visa Sponsorship Scams
Scammers often target immigrants with fake job offers and the work visas that allegedly come with them. These scammers ask you to pay fees upfront, only to find out that the job doesn’t actually exist. Be wary of offers made to you online through social media platforms. These often involve H-1B, H-2B or EB-3 employment visas.
How To Protect Yourself From Immigration Scams
No amount of prevention can guarantee that you won’t fall for a scam. Scammers, by design, are smart people who are good at getting others to do what they want. But these tips provide a good start that will help you avoid the most common scams.
Don’t Trust Everything You Read Online
It’s possible for scammers to make their own websites that impersonate government websites. Scammers can even spoof caller ID to make it look like they’re from a legitimate agency.
- Always look at websites with a critical eye.
- Stop and think before entering your personal information.
- Go to the site yourself rather than clicking on the link you’re given.
- If you spot a scam website, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Don’t Pay Demands
The United States government will never threaten arrest or deportation over the phone, and they will never demand money to stop arrest or deportation. If someone is threatening deportation and demanding payment, it’s a scam.
Get Help From an Experienced Immigration Attorney
Don’t try to handle everything yourself. When in doubt, get help from a reputable lawyer who knows immigration law. To get started, contact Mark E. Jacobs or call 972-445-7577.
