In the immigration industry, fraud is unfortunately a severe problem. Numerous dishonest people and organizations provide immigration assistance for a price, then steal their clients’ money or use their identities in other illegal activities. In case, you are planning to immigrate to Canada in 2023, you must know everything about immigration fraud and a few fraud prevention techniques.

The top five warning signs to watch out for when consulting with a possible immigration representative are listed below;

Getting Unsolicited Phone Calls or Messages

If you receive an email that you did not request from someone claiming to be Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or to be an immigration consultant, it may be a fraud. Unless you have previously contacted any of these parties or submitted an assessment. You need to be aware of such calls and emails from strangers.

Checking the Legitimacy of Websites

It is common for all businesses and organizations in Canada to have a digital online. Typically, they have a website and will be active on social networking sites like Facebook. It can be a scam if you are unable to identify the company or firm the person contacting you works for on Google or if the website you do find seems dubious. Consider this a red flag!

Receiving Fake Promises to Get a Job or Visa

Nobody can promise you employment or a visa to Canada. Be extremely cautious of anyone making such assurances. The decision to grant a visa can only be made by immigration officers working at Canadian embassies, high commissioners, and consulates.

Depositing Money into a Personal Bank Account

If you are ever asked to do payments to the personal bank accounts of an immigration lawyer, consultant, or the Government of Canada, it is an immigration fraud coming your way! Your payments are processed securely online on the website when you make a purchase. The only people legally permitted to receive payment for Canadian immigration services are authorized representatives or consultants.

Unauthorized Representatives

The immigration representatives must be members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Anyone can check their dedicated website; you may access a registry of all Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs).