Immigration (USCIS) impersonation
Callers impersonate USCIS or 'immigration officers', claim a problem with your status or paperwork, and demand payment or personal information under threat of deportation.
Targets are chosen for maximum leverage: pending-case applicants, mixed-status families, recent arrivals — and the 'notario' variant extends the fraud into fake legal services. USCIS conducts business by mail and through official online accounts; it does not call to demand payment, and government fees are paid through official channels, never gift cards or wires to individuals. Case status checks are free online with a receipt number, and only accredited representatives listed by the Department of Justice may lawfully give immigration advice.
How to recognize it
- Threats of deportation unless a 'fee' is paid by phone
- Spoofed caller ID showing USCIS numbers
- Requests for A-numbers, SSNs, or payment via gift cards
What to do
- Hang up — USCIS does not demand payment by phone
- Check your case only via official USCIS channels
- Report to the FTC and USCIS
Where to report
Sources
FAQ
What should I do first if I suspect a immigration (uscis) impersonation call?
Hang up without pressing anything or confirming any details. Hang up — USCIS does not demand payment by phone. Then report it through the channels listed below.
I already gave the caller money or information — now what?
Act on the money first: contact your bank or card issuer immediately, and if you paid by gift card, call the card company to try freezing the balance. Then file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and, if identity data leaked, follow the recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
Does the number that called me identify the scammer?
Usually not — the display is routinely spoofed. Report the number anyway: combined with time and content, it still helps investigators map calling campaigns.