Avoiding Canadian Immigration Fraud
Fraud can be a prevalent problem for newcomers and immigration candidates to Canada.
Every March, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes part in Fraud Prevention Month, aligning with the Government of Canada’s initiative to educate the public about potential scams and how to steer clear of them.
Statistics Canada reports that instances of cybercrime related to fraud have nearly tripled since 2017, totaling over 33,000 cases. Newcomers are particularly at risk for these scams. To address this, IRCC has highlighted essential information for immigrants and temporary residents, which is summarized below.
Table of Contents
- What kinds of fraud can affect newcomers?
- What can I do to protect myself from scams?
- Important things to remember
- What can I do if I suspect I have been scammed?
What kinds of fraud can affect newcomers?
Common Scams Targeting Newcomers to Canada
Impersonation of Government Officials
Scammers often pose as officials from the Government of Canada, typically over the phone, trying to extract fees from victims. They may use intimidation tactics, claiming the victim owes money due to incorrect paperwork or that they risk losing their immigration status. Some may even threaten the victim’s home or family.
If you receive a suspicious call, IRCC advises you to:
Ask for the caller’s name and then hang up.
Report any financial loss to your local police.
Contact the IRCC call center to verify the authenticity of the call.
If the call was fraudulent, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC).
For potential tax fraud, verify by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Phishing Emails
Newcomers might receive emails that attempt to lure them into providing personal information or banking passwords, often disguised as government officials.
IRCC recommends:
Deleting suspicious emails immediately.
Being cautious of scam websites that may ask for personal information.
Always verifying a website’s legitimacy before entering any sensitive information.
Computer Virus Scams
Scammers may call claiming your computer has a virus, often posing as representatives from software companies. They will offer to fix the issue in exchange for access to your computer and personal information.
To protect yourself:
Never grant access or share personal information with unsolicited callers.
Seek repairs from certified professionals and use reputable antivirus services.
Fake Prize Notifications
If you receive a call or text claiming you’ve won a prize from a competition you didn’t enter, it’s likely a scam. These messages often ask for personal details.
IRCC advises:
Do not provide any personal information.
Refrain from responding, as this can confirm your number is active. In Canada, you can forward suspicious texts to 7726 to block further messages.
Additional Scams to Watch Out For
Misrepresentation of Representatives/Lawyers: Scammers may pose as immigration consultants or lawyers offering services that don’t enhance your immigration chances. Always verify the accreditation of your immigration representative through official registries.
Fraudulent Job Offers: Scammers may offer fake job opportunities to collect application fees. Be wary of unrealistic salaries, claims of job offers without interviews, incorrect employer details, poor grammar, or oddly formatted offer letters.
Admission Letters from Non-DLI Institutions: International students might receive fraudulent offer letters from institutions that are not Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Always check the status of your school to ensure it is a registered DLI, as some legitimate schools may not be authorized to accept international students.
Stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from these scams.
What can I do to protect myself from scams?
Newcomers to Canada are advised to:
Protect Personal Information: Never share passwords, PINs, or banking details without verifying the identity of the requester or the legitimacy of the website.
Be Cautious with Emails: Avoid opening emails from unknown sources and refrain from clicking on any links contained within them.
Take Your Time: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into making hasty decisions. It’s important to take your time and think carefully before providing any sensitive information.
Important things to remember
Newcomers and prospective immigrants should remember the following important points:
No Guarantees: No one can promise you a job or a visa to Canada.
Visa Decisions: Only immigration officers in Canada and at Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates have the authority to issue visas.
Consistent Processing Fees: Processing fees for IRCC services are the same worldwide, and fees in local currencies are based on official exchange rates.
Payment Instructions: IRCC will instruct you to pay fees to the “Receiver General for Canada,” unless stated otherwise on a specific Canadian visa office website.
Be Wary of Additional Charges: Be cautious of representatives who charge fees for supporting documents, such as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Additionally, keep in mind that IRCC will never:
Contact you by phone to collect fees or fines.
Use aggressive tactics or threaten arrest or deportation.
Intimidate you or threaten harm to you or your family, or damage your property.
Request personal information over the phone (except to confirm information you’ve already provided).
Ask for financial information or payment over the phone.
Pressure you into making immediate payments.
Request payments through prepaid credit cards, Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards, or similar services.
Send police to arrest you for unpaid fees.
What can I do if I suspect that I have been scammed?
If you suspect fraudulent behavior, it’s important to take action quickly. Here’s what you can do:
1. Contact Your Financial Institution: They can help you minimize potential fraudulent activity by freezing your accounts and issuing new credit or debit cards.
2. Report Fraud Cases: Newcomers should report any instances of fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC) and their local police station. The CAFC serves as a national fraud reporting center, collecting information about various scams and providing resources to help the public recognize and protect themselves from fraud.
About The Millennium Immigration
The Millennium Immigration is a premier Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of experience in the field. Our team comprises more than 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and dedicated professionals committed to assisting you in your journey to immigrate to Canada.
Founded in 2013, themillenniumimmigration.com serves as our online platform and has become one of the most trusted resources for information on Canadian immigration worldwide. If you need legal assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.