Fraud Prevention & Scam Awareness
Immigration and overseas recruitment is one of the most common areas for fraud targeting people who are hopeful, time-pressured, and unfamiliar with a foreign system. This page explains the most common scams and how to protect yourself.
Know the warning signs
These are the most frequently reported patterns in immigration and overseas recruitment fraud. If something you're experiencing matches one of these, slow down before sending money or documents.
Fake job offers
Scammers post attractive job listings abroad, sometimes copying real company names and logos, then request an upfront "processing," "training," or "placement" fee before any real interview or offer is confirmed. Legitimate employers do not typically ask candidates to pay for the privilege of being hired.
Fake or unlicensed "immigration agents"
Individuals claiming to be licensed consultants or lawyers who are not actually registered with the relevant regulator (CICC, OMARA, IAA, or a state bar). They may show fake certificates, use official-looking logos, or claim "special connections" to speed up your application — something no legitimate licensed professional can honestly promise.
Identity theft
Requests for scanned copies of your passport, national ID, bank details, or biometric information before any legitimate process requires them, often through unofficial email addresses or messaging apps. Once your identity documents are copied, they can be reused for fraudulent applications in your name.
Document fraud
Offers to provide fake job contracts, fabricated language test results, forged educational credentials, or falsified work references. Submitting fraudulent documents in an official application can result in a permanent ban from the destination country, even if you were unaware the documents were fake.
Payment & upfront-fee scams
Requests for large upfront payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards for "government fees," "visa guarantees," or "expedited processing" — often to personal bank accounts rather than official government payment portals. Legitimate government fees are paid directly to the government, never to a middleman's personal account.
How to verify a licensed consultant
Before paying anyone or sharing documents, confirm their licence status directly on the relevant official government register.
- Canada: search the CICC public register.
- Australia: search the OMARA register of migration agents.
- New Zealand: search the IAA register of licensed immigration advisers.
- United States: verify attorney licensing with the relevant state bar — this varies by state, so confirm which state the attorney is licensed in first.
Safe practices checklist
- Never pay government fees to a personal bank account, individual, or agency — only through the official government payment portal.
- Verify any consultant or agent's licence on the official register before sharing documents or paying anything.
- Be skeptical of guaranteed outcomes, guaranteed timelines, or "special access" claims — no one can guarantee a government decision.
- Keep copies of every document you submit and every payment you make, with dates and reference numbers.
- Communicate through traceable channels (official email, documented calls) rather than only informal messaging apps.
- Cross-check any job offer directly with the employer using publicly listed contact details, not just the contact info the recruiter gave you.
- Report suspected fraud to the relevant regulator or your local consumer protection authority.
Worried an offer you received might not be legitimate?
Contact our team and we'll help you review it, or point you to the right official resource.