Quick Insights: Immigrants in the United States facing scams have become a serious problem that can potentially result in money loss, legal problems, etc. This article covers various types of scams in order to guide you on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Scams targeting immigrants in the USA are unfortunate realities that involve fraudsters exploiting them in the name of immigration processes, job opportunities, housing, or tax matters. It is indeed crucial for immigrants to be aware of these scams and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from becoming victims. Additionally, they must report such scams to the appropriate authorities in order to safeguard themselves.
Call spoofing, also known as caller ID spoofing, is a technique used by scammers to manipulate the information displayed on a recipient’s caller ID system during a phone call. It involves altering the caller ID information so that it appears as though the call is originating from a different number than the actual originating number.
Call spoofing is typically done by scammers for deceptive and harmful activities. They often employ call spoofing to deceive recipients into answering calls they might otherwise ignore. They manipulate the caller ID to display a familiar or trusted number.
For instance, the scammers may call and claim to be a USCIS agent in order to request sensitive personal information, such as the bank number, or they may ask you for a certain amount of payment.
Remember that USCIS would not typically communicate through unsolicited phone calls but rather use formal written correspondence, such as letters or emails.
Another type of scam that one may face is the deportation threat. These can include deportation warnings or notifications issued by the authorities to individuals residing in the country. These threats indicate the potential to forcibly remove individuals from the United States and return them to their country of origin.
For instance, the scammer may reach you through a phone call, come directly to your house, or even come across you out in public, claiming to be an ICE agent. They may ask you to pay them some amount of money, or else they may start threatening you with deportation from the country.
Note that when individuals are deemed removable, they usually receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) from ICE. This NTA highlights the charges against them, informing them of a date and time for their appearance in immigration court. It serves as the formal initiation of removal proceedings, and individuals are given the opportunity to present their case before an immigration judge.
Employment scams frequently prey on the sentiments and aspirations of immigrants looking for work, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the local labor market
For instance, they may pose as employers offering lucrative job opportunities, high-paying salaries, or work permits. They may even request upfront fees and disappear after receiving payment. Stay alert to these kinds of scams. Legitimate employers would never ask for upfront payments in order to provide you with employment opportunities.
There are several trusted job websites and apps in the United States that are especially designed to help individuals find employment opportunities. Some of the popular platforms are Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and CareerBuilder. Make sure you research the company and verify its legitimacy through official channels before providing any personal information.
Rental scams are also commonly seen among immigrants. Sometimes immigrants fall prey to fake rental listings posted or created by scammers. They may request upfront payments, such as security deposits or rent payments, before providing access to the property. However, in many cases, the property either does not exist or is not owned by the scammer.
To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, one should exercise caution, thoroughly research listings and landlords, and verify the credibility of the property using trusted sources. Never send money or personal information without confirming the authenticity of the rental arrangement.
To find genuine accommodations, it is recommended to seek help from reputable sources and follow certain guidelines. Some trusted real estate websites and platforms include Zillow and Realtor.com. Additionally, contacting local real estate or rental agencies can also provide genuine rental options. It is also important to physically inspect the property whenever possible and verify ownership or management details through official records or documentation.
Form I-9 is an official document issued by the USCIS. It is used by employers in the United States to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees. Unfortunately, scammers may attempt to exploit this through email scams. These scams typically involve fraudulent emails that impersonate government agencies or employers and request Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, information.
The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is also known as the Visa Lottery or Green Card Lottery. It is a program run by the U.S. Department of State where they randomly select individuals from eligible countries to receive immigrant visas and become lawful permanent residents of the United States. However, scammers often take advantage of the excitement and anticipation surrounding the DV Lottery by running fraudulent schemes.
Tax scams targeting immigrants are another common occurrence and can be quite intimidating. These scammers often impersonate government officials, such as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents or immigration authorities. This way, they deceive individuals into believing they owe back taxes or penalties. They may demand immediate payment and threaten deportation or legal consequences if the victim fails to comply.
Scammers often use intimidation tactics, including deportation threats or legal consequences, to pressure victims into immediate payment. Remember that legitimate government agencies never use such tactics to collect taxes. Report such suspicious activities immediately.
A scam may temporarily dim your trust in others, but don't let it extinguish the light of kindness and compassion within you.
Make sure that you provide as much detailed information as possible when reporting. This can include any relevant dates, names, phone numbers, email addresses, or other identifying details related to the scam. Your reports can help the authorities tracking down scammers and preventing others from becoming victims as well. It’s also important to warn others in your community about the scam by sharing your experience and spreading awareness through word of mouth, social media, or community organizations. The more people are aware of these scams, the better they can protect themselves and take appropriate action.
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