US Mission Warns Against Visa Scams

The U.S. Mission has issued a public warning against visa scams, urging applicants to be vigilant for fraudsters posing as "visa consultants" or government officials who promise guaranteed visas or faster processing for a fee. Official U.S. government websites always end in .gov, and official entities will never request payment via unauthorized platforms.

Key Warning Signs of a Visa Scam

The U.S. Mission and Department of State highlight several common signs of fraudulent activity:

Requests for Payment via Unauthorized Methods: Official U.S. Embassies will never request visa fees via email, phone, social media, or messaging apps, nor through unofficial channels like Western Union, PayPal, or specific local payment platforms. Fees are paid through official portals or at a designated bank/consulate cashier.

Guarantees of Visas or Faster Processing: No third party or government official can guarantee a visa or expedited processing in exchange for a fee. Visa application forms are free on official websites, and the outcome depends solely on meeting the legal requirements.

Suspicious Contact Information: Official government emails end in ".gov". Any correspondence from addresses ending in ".com", ".org", or other extensions should be considered suspect.

Requests for Upfront Payments for Job Offers: Beware of job offers from overseas that require you to pay a fee to secure employment or a work visa. Legitimate U.S. government processes do not involve such upfront payments to individuals or unofficial companies.

Instructions to Use False Documents: The use of false or altered documents is a serious offense that can result in a permanent ban from the United States and potential criminal prosecution.

How to Protect Yourself

Verify Official Websites: Always double-check that the website address ends in .gov before entering personal information or making any payments.

Complete Your Own Forms: Applicants are encouraged to complete their own application forms. If you use a third-party service, you remain personally responsible for all information submitted.

Be Cautious of Unsolicited Contact: The U.S. government typically does not notify successful Diversity Visa (DV) lottery entrants by email or letter; applicants must check their status online through the official DV Entrant Status Check.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you are a victim of a visa scam, take the following steps:

Do Not Send Money: Cease all communication and do not make any payments.

Report to Local Police: Report the crime to your local law enforcement agency before contacting the U.S. Embassy and provide the case number for further investigation.

You can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Report U.S. passport or visa fraud to the Department of State's Diplomatic Security via the DSS Crime Tips website or email at PassportVisaFraud@state.gov.

For immigration benefit fraud and abuse, submit a tip via the USCIS Tip Form.

For immigration violations, report to ICE.

By staying informed and using official government resources, you can avoid becoming a victim of these scams.