Last updated: November 2026
How can I tell if an immigration offer is a scam?
Red flags
- Guaranteed approval or a promise of a specific result.
- A “contact at the embassy” who can get you a visa for money.
- Unusual payment methods: gift cards, crypto, wire transfers to a personal account, or cash by courier.
- Pressure and urgency: “pay today or lose your chance.”
- Unexpected messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or social media saying you won something or have been selected for a job.
- Requests for your password to a government account.
- Look-alike websites that imitate government pages but are not official.
- Fees charged to workers for an H-2B or other job offer.
Notarios are not attorneys
In some countries a notario público is a legal professional. In the United States a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give immigration advice. Be careful with anyone who uses this title to sell immigration help.
How to check
- Go to the official site yourself. Use uscis.gov for USCIS matters, travel.state.gov for visas and consulates, and dol.gov for labor certification. Do not follow links from unknown messages.
- Ask who prepares and signs your case, and whether a licensed attorney reviews it.
- Ask for a written agreement that states what you receive and what it costs.
- Never pay a stranger who contacted you first about a prize, a visa or a job.
- Keep copies of everything you sign and every payment you make.
If you have been scammed
- Stop paying and stop sending documents.
- Save messages, receipts and the other person's details.
- Report it to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and see the scam guidance on uscis.gov.
- Contact your bank or card provider if you paid by card or transfer.
- Talk to a licensed attorney about whether your immigration case was affected.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone guarantee a U.S. visa?
No. Visa decisions are made by government officials on the facts of each case. Anyone who guarantees an outcome is not being honest.
Can someone speed up my visa for a payment?
No. Payments to private individuals do not speed up official decisions.
Does USCIS contact people to demand payment by phone, email or social media?
You should not pay a government fee because of an unexpected call, text, email or social media message. Verify through the official government website before paying anything.
Is a notario an attorney in the U.S.?
No. A notary public in the U.S. is not a lawyer and cannot give immigration legal advice.
I got a message saying I won a visa lottery. Is it real?
Treat it as a scam. Do not click links, pay or send documents. Check the official State Department website.
Is it safe to send a photo of my passport online?
Only send it to a provider you have verified and through a secure channel. Never send ID documents to someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
I already paid a scammer. What now?
Stop paying, keep all records, contact your bank, report the fraud, and speak with a licensed attorney about your case.
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