Scammers are targeting newcomers with increasingly sophisticated online schemes. Protect yourself from fraudulent messages, emails and calls.
Immigration scams are a growing concern across North America. Immigration-related scams are among the top consumer complaints in the United States where there are large immigrant populations, but in Canada the trend appears to be increasing as well.
Statistics on scams are lacking because of a lack of reporting, but between 400 and 700 immigration scams were reported annually from 2011 to 2014, which is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The Centre for Newcomers in Calgary now sees an average of two people per week seeking help with immigration scams. Some victims report paying up to $75,000 in fraudulent immigration fees.
Fake immigration consultants and employers
Earlier this year, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reduced or restricted the number of immigrants to Canada through certain programs, or “streams.” Boughton Law in Vancouver reports that this has led to a spike in fraudulent practices targeting newcomers.
One common method of scammers is to pretend to be an immigration lawyer, consultant, or employer.
“We commonly hear from clients that consultants have offered to find them a job for the purposes of immigration,” writes immigration lawyer Darren Penner. “Unfortunately, a job in this situation is often nothing more than a façade meant to deceive immigration authorities. The job seeker will pay large sums of money, some of which will be retained by the consultant and the employer as a fee. The rest will be used by the employer to pay the job seeker’s wages. The job seeker will then provide free labour to the employer while the immigration application processes.”
To avoid cons like this, Penner says you should confirm that the consultant is registered with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), and make sure you know if the person you’re talking to is a lawyer, a consultant, or an unlicensed agent.
“People often tell us that a lawyer acted for them previously, but when we have checked, we have discovered that the person in question was a consultant or worse, they were not licensed to provide any immigration services,”
writes Penner. When a professional guarantees success or pressures you to make a rushed decision, that’s a red flag.
Latest immigration scams in 2024
AI-powered phishing: Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create highly personalized and convincing phishing emails that appear to come from legitimate sources
Social media recruitment: Fraudsters are increasingly using platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to advertise fake job opportunities and immigration service
Crypto payment schemes: Some scammers now request payments in cryptocurrency, claiming it’s faster and more secure than traditional methods
Deepfake video calls: Be cautious of video calls purportedly from immigration officials, as scammers are using deepfake technology to impersonate government employees.
Canada Revenue Agency scams
Erin MacLeod is an English as an Additional Language (EAL) instructor with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) who has taught newcomers how to avoid different types of scams.
“We would like to think we’re smart enough to avoid that, but it’s not only our clients who become victims of these,” MacLeod says. “Scammers are really, really good [at this] — anybody can be a victim. I really want my clients to know that they’re not the only ones who are victims of these situations.”
Since newcomers who have adopted English as a second language may not be familiar with the vocabulary of a scam in their new home, MacLeod focuses on common signs of fraudulent behaviour online or over the phone, giving them the vocabulary to recognize the red flags.
“It’s not just vocabulary and all that, but also teaching them how things work,” MacLeod says. One general rule that immigrants may not know is that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not call or threaten people over the phone to pay taxes when they’re late.
Fraudulent callers often claim there’s a problem with your account, then they’ll ask for personal information to resolve it.
“They’ll tell you there’s been a security breach and your information has been compromised, and they call to check on your personal information,” MacLeod says, but the actual CRA sends physical letters long before trying to reach you by phone.
“The CRA will never just call you.”
Top tips for avoiding immigration scams
Be wary of unsolicited contact: Government agencies like Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will never contact you out of the blue via email, phone, or text to demand payment or personal information
Verify official websites: Always double-check that you’re on a legitimate “.gc.ca” website when accessing government immigration services online. Scammers often create convincing fake sites to steal personal data.
Never pay with gift cards or wire transfers: Legitimate immigration fees are never paid through these methods. Be extremely suspicious of any request to do so.
Consult only authorized representatives: If seeking immigration assistance, work only with lawyers, paralegals, or consultants authorized by Canadian regulatory bodies.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, reporting your case can help to prevent it from happening to someone else. Research shows that in Canada, scam statistics are lacking because of the stigma around being a victim. The less we know about it, the less our government can do about it.
How to report an immigration scam
If you encounter a suspected scam:
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Inform your local police
- Share your experience with community organizations to help warn others
Remember, staying informed and skeptical is your best defense against immigration fraud. When in doubt, always verify information directly with official government sources. By remaining vigilant, you can protect yourself and help build a more secure community for all newcomers.
