Is this real? Should I pay this?
Scams that target immigrant and working families follow patterns. Learn the patterns once and you will recognize most scams instantly. Search below, or browse by type.
- Is this real?
- Should I pay this?
- Who can I verify this with?
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- Fake government contact
Fake calls and texts from "USCIS," "ICE," "the IRS," or "Social Security"
Scammers pretend to be government agencies and demand money or threaten arrest. Real agencies never call demanding gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or payment right now.
- The caller threatens arrest, deportation, or losing your benefits unless you pay today
- They ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app
- Suspicious payment requests
Gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, and payment apps: the payment method that gives the scam away
If a stranger asks you to pay with gift cards, a wire transfer, crypto, or a payment app, it is a scam. This includes "family emergency" calls and jobs that ask you to pay first.
- You are told to buy gift cards and read the numbers on the back over the phone
- You are asked to wire money, send crypto, or use Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App to someone you have never met
- Immigration scams
Notario fraud: when a "notario" pretends to be an immigration lawyer
In the U.S., a notary public is not a lawyer. Only licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives can give immigration legal advice. Learn how to tell the difference.
- The person calls themselves a "notario," "immigration consultant," or "paralegal" but is not a licensed attorney
- They promise a green card, work permit, or visa before reviewing your case
- Immigration scams
"Guaranteed" visas, green cards, and "new law" programs
Nobody can guarantee an immigration result. Ads promising a sure visa, green card, work permit, or a secret "new program" are scams, especially on social media and WhatsApp.
- They "guarantee" approval, a green card, a work permit, or a visa
- They say a "new law" or "special program" just opened and you must act before it closes
- Credit repair & debt relief
Credit repair and debt relief scams
Companies that charge upfront fees to "erase" bad credit or sell you a new "credit identity" (CPN) are breaking the law. Real help is free or low cost through nonprofit counseling.
- They ask for payment before they have done any work for you
- They promise to remove accurate negative information or "erase" your credit history
- Identity theft
Identity theft: the signs, and the free steps that fix it
Identity theft is when someone uses your SSN, ITIN, or personal details to open accounts or earn income in your name. Learn the warning signs and the free steps to recover.
- Accounts, loans, or credit cards on your credit report that you never opened
- An IRS letter about wages, a tax return, or income you did not earn or file
- Phishing texts & emails
Phishing texts and emails: fake bank, delivery, toll, and "account locked" messages
Scam messages pretend to be your bank, a delivery company, a toll agency, or a login alert. They want you to click a link or share a code. Learn how to check before you tap.
- The message says your account is locked, a package is held, or a toll is unpaid, and you must act now
- The link looks almost right but has extra words, odd endings, or a strange spelling
- Money & investment scams
Remittance and money transfer scams
Fake transfer apps, "better rate" agents on WhatsApp, and urgent requests from "family" abroad can drain the money you send home. Use licensed money transmitters and verify before you send.
- Someone on WhatsApp or social media offers a much better exchange rate than any company
- A transfer "app" or website is not in the official app store or has almost no reviews
Where to report it
- Official source
IdentityTheft.gov ↗
The federal government's step-by-step recovery plan if someone has used your personal information, available in Spanish.
- Official source
ReportFraud.ftc.gov ↗
Report scams, fraud, and bad business practices to the FTC in English or Spanish.
/en/scams