How To Avoid Canadian Immigration Scams and Fraud

New Canadian immigrants and future immigrants are particularly vulnerable to many forms of scams/fraud. Here are three tips to assist existing and future Canadian immigrants avoid the consequences of an immigration scam/fraud.

A Concordia University student from Iran who transferred to Canada last autumn lost over $11,000 to phone fraudsters in Edmonton. Early in December, allegations appeared that a Ghanaian man was the victim of a social network employment scam that also demanded payment for a health insurance charge. Fortunately, he was cautious and could detect the fraud before sending any money.

The examples above are given to demonstrate the frequency of Canadian immigration scams throughout the country. As a result, the following highlights three points to keep in mind that will assist current Canadian immigrants and prospective prospects wishing to work, study or come to our nation in avoiding the painful penalties of falling victim to immigration fraud or an immigration scam.

IRCC and Fines/Fee Collection

Scams, in general, are increasingly being conducted over the phone. Indeed, according to a survey done as part of a CityNews Vancouver piece published in January 2022, scam calls in Cantonese or Mandarin have increased by 20% since 2019. In addition, according to the President of Vancouver-based research firm Research Co., 60% of smartphone users receive fraudulent calls posing as representatives of government agencies.

To that end, Canadian immigration seekers should be aware that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will never call or contact them, either online or in person, to collect payments or penalties in order to avoid repercussions such as deportation. Scammers may “often offer a fake name and agent number to look official,” according to IRCC, but these sorts of calls are always fraud.

If someone calls and threatens you with penalties for not paying money or disclosing personal information, do not hesitate to contact local authorities and/or report the occurrence.

Official Scam/Fraud Detection Materials From The IRCC

Immigrating to a new nation is a trip that needs newcomers to discover reliable information. Unreliable information is prevalent in the internet era because anybody can create a website or a blog and claim to be an expert on any subject they choose. As a result, official government materials are critical to each immigrant’s trip to Canada.

It’s also worth noting that the IRCC provides official government tools (FAQs and tip sheets) to help recent Canadian immigrants and those planning to immigrate to Canada recognize and prevent immigration-related fraud and scams.

Checking the credentials of Canadian immigration service providers
When moving to a new nation, immigrants frequently require assistance from others. This assistance may come from an internet forum or an immigration counselor such as an immigration lawyer, advocate, or consultant. depending on the choices chosen by the immigrant/immigration hopeful. Nonetheless, just as anybody may portray oneself as an internet subject matter expert via a website, fraudsters can easily appear as trustworthy and reputable immigration advisers.

Official Canadian registers and directories exist to verify the legality of persons. who claim to allow to represent immigrants/provide immigration assistance, to assist both current Canadian immigrants and potential immigration seekers. All Canadian citizenship and immigration consultants, for example, must be members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Similarly, Canadian immigration attorneys and notaries must be members of a Canadian province. Or territorial law organization and Ontario-based paralegals must join the Law Society of Ontario.

According to IRCC, most provincial and territorial law societies have online tools to verify. if a certain individual registers as a member in good standing, and an individual’s “standing” is a useful predictor of whether immigrants should engage the services of that immigration lawyer.

Here Are Some Strategies For Avoiding An Immigration Fraud Alert:

Hiring an immigrant adviser to finish the immigration procedure is not a requirement.
For your immigration procedure, exclusively use RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Experts) consultants. These consultants have verified qualifications and are licensed. They are immigration professionals who guide applicants through the full process while clarifying any complexities. Furthermore, your visa application is safe and secure with RCIC.
Immigration websites do not advertise intricate bargains. Such as a sure Canadian visa, work permits, free-flying tickets, housing, scholarships, or high-paying positions. Any agency that posts such adverts is seeking to defraud potential victims.

Canadian immigration websites never request money and fees. All forms and applications are available on the CIC’s website for free.
Do not submit any fake documents in order to expedite your immigration procedure. It will only result in the rejection of your application.
No credible immigration website requires consumers to deposit any money before beginning the application process.
Check the credibility of your immigration adviser before proceeding with your application. You may monitor the status of your consultant on the ICCRC-CRCIC official website.