Immigration 'Status Problem' Scam
A caller posing as immigration authorities claims there is a problem with your status or paperwork and demands an immediate payment to avoid arrest or deportation.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Someone impersonating USCIS, ICE, or an embassy calls or emails to say your immigration status has a problem — a missing fee, an error, or a warrant — and that you must pay immediately or face detention or deportation. They exploit fear and language barriers and demand gift cards, wire, or crypto. Real immigration agencies do not collect fees this way and do not threaten arrest over the phone for payment.
What it usually looks like
- An unsolicited call or email about your immigration case.
- A claim of a problem, missing fee, or warrant.
- Threats of arrest or deportation without immediate payment.
- Demands for gift cards, wire, or crypto.
Common warning signs
- Immigration agencies do not demand payment by phone or gift card.
- Threats of immediate arrest or deportation to force payment.
- Requests to keep the call secret.
- Caller ID that 'looks' official but pressures you.
Example wording scammers use
“This is USCIS. There is a problem with your application and a removal order pending. Pay the processing fee now to avoid detention.”
“Your visa status is flagged. Purchase gift cards to settle the fee or officers will be sent to your address.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- An immediate untraceable payment.
- Your personal and case details.
- To exploit fear so you do not verify.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Hang up. Verify anything through your own USCIS online account or official uscis.gov contacts.
- Never pay immigration fees by gift card, wire, or crypto.
- Talk to a trusted person or a licensed immigration attorney.
- Keep records of the call.
What to do if you already responded
- Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to your state Attorney General. If you are unsure whether reporting could affect your immigration situation, speak with a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative first.
- Talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative. If cost is a barrier, the Department of Justice keeps a list of free and low-cost legal service providers by state.
- If you paid by gift card, contact the issuer immediately.