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Avoiding Immigration Scams During the Holidays: What Immigrants Need to Know

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers target vulnerable individuals, and especially immigrants. Holiday immigration scams are increasingly common during this period.

Immigrants are especially susceptible to being tricked and scammed for the following reasons:

  1. Lack of Familiarity with U.S. Systems
    Immigrants may not fully understand how U.S. immigration processes work, making them more susceptible to misleading information or fraudulent promises of quicker results. This is a key factor in how holiday immigration scams work.
  2. Language Barriers
    Limited English proficiency can make it harder for immigrants to identify scams, especially when fraudulent messages are presented in complex or legal-sounding language.
  3. Fear of Deportation or Legal Issues
    Immigrants often face significant stress about their status, which scammers exploit by creating a sense of urgency or fear to coerce payment or personal information. Holiday immigration scams often leverage this fear.
1. Common Immigration Scams
  • Fake Immigration Agencies: Beware of individuals or websites offering too-good-to-be-true immigration deals or expedited processes. Do not use  “consultants”, “notaries” or sole “paralegals”. Use an experienced immigration lawyer! At Shepelsky Law Group we have affordable options and we take good care of our clients! Stay vigilant to avoid holiday immigration scams.
  • Threatening Calls or Emails: Scammers may impersonate government officials, demanding payment or threatening deportation if you don’t comply. The real Social Security Administration and IRS will never just call you. USCIS or ICE will not give you a warning call. They will send you a letter and just show up at your door (speaking from our experience).
  • Phishing Attempts: Emails or texts asking for personal information or payment often come disguised as official communications. Make sure your date is private and safe. Many holiday immigration scams use these tactics.
2. How to Spot a Scam
  • Official Communication: U.S. immigration agencies like USCIS will never call to demand immediate payment. They communicate through mail, not phone calls or emails. The real Social Security Administration and  IRS will never just call you. USCIS or ICE will not give you a warning call. They will send you a letter and just show up at your door (speaking from our experience).
  • Too Good to Be True: If someone promises quick approvals or guarantees results, it’s likely a scam. Many holiday immigration scams promise unrealistic outcomes.
  • No Receipts or Documentation: Always ask for written proof of services provided or payments made.
3. Tips to Protect Yourself
  • Verify Before You Trust: Check the legitimacy of websites, phone numbers, and emails before providing any information. This is crucial to avoid falling victim to holiday immigration scams.
  • Use Trusted Resources: Work with licensed immigration attorneys or accredited representatives. Avoid “notaries,” “consultants”, or unlicensed agents.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or USCIS.
4. Spread Awareness

Help protect your community by sharing this information. Many immigrants fall victim to scams simply because they don’t know what to look for. By sharing knowledge, you can help others avoid holiday immigration scams.

The holidays should be a time of peace and happiness, not stress over potential scams. Stay informed, stay cautious, and reach out to a trusted immigration attorney if you need help or have questions about holiday immigration scams.

SHEPELSKY LAW GROUP wishes you happy and safe holidays! Stay safe and enjoy the season!