Scam index
Find the scam you are dealing with.
Search by keyword, filter by category or risk level, and open any scam to see the full breakdown — warning signs, what to do, and where to report it.
fake visa application website scam
Fraudulent websites impersonate official government visa portals, collecting application fees and personal data from travelers without processing any actual visa application.
Apply for visas and travel authorizations only through official government immigration websites.
Travelers
U.S.
Visa sponsorship placement fee scam
An overseas role promises fast visa sponsorship but asks for processing, embassy, or medical coordination fees upfront.
Check the employer and visa process through official immigration channels before paying.
Migrant job seekers
Global
Fake ETA visa application site scam
A traveler pays inflated fees and shares passport data on a site posing as an official visa or travel authorization service.
Start visa or ETA applications from the official government site only.
International travelers
Global
Visa processing agent scam
A traveler or student is told a visa application can be accelerated if they pay a private agent through chat or an unofficial portal.
Use only official government visa channels or verified legal advisers for application steps.
International students
Global
Student visa deadline penalty scam
A student is told there is a deadline or filing defect in their visa record and must pay a penalty or share documents immediately.
Verify any visa or study permit notice from the official immigration portal only.
International students
Canada
visa lottery scam targeting immigrants
Scammers send emails or create websites claiming victims have won the Diversity Visa Lottery and must pay processing fees, when the real DV Lottery is free and does not notify winners by email.
The official DV Lottery is free to enter and results are only available at dvprogram.state.gov — never pay for lottery processing.
Immigrants
U.S.
Immigration case payment scam
A fake immigration officer says there is a problem with your file and demands immediate payment or documents.
Contact the immigration agency through its official website or lawyer.
Immigrants
U.S.
work permit advance fee scam
Scammers posing as employment agencies or sponsors demand upfront fees from immigrants to secure work permits or employer sponsorship that they cannot deliver.
Legitimate employers pay for sponsorship — you should never have to pay for your own work visa sponsorship.
Immigrants
U.S.
Fake job offer advance payment scam
A victim receives what looks like a legitimate remote job offer and is asked to pay upfront for equipment, training, or background checks.
Verify the recruiter and company domain independently.
Job seekers
Global
Tax refund verification phishing scam
A fake refund or filing problem message pressures the victim to verify tax identity through a counterfeit government portal.
Go directly to the tax authority website instead of using message links.
Tax filers
U.S.
Fake lawyer court date payment call
A caller pretending to be a lawyer uses cloned voices and legal jargon to say you missed a court date and need to pay immediately to avoid arrest.
End the call and contact the court through its public website or number.
Older adults
U.S.
Reshipping assistant work-from-home scam
A new hire is told to receive packages at home and forward them using labels provided by the employer.
Do not handle goods or forward packages for an employer you cannot verify.
Job seekers
Global
Interview task equipment cheque scam
A fake employer sends a cheque for equipment during the interview stage and asks the candidate to forward part of the money to a vendor.
Do not deposit employer cheques tied to urgent vendor payments.
Students
U.S.
Background check fee hiring scam
A candidate is told they passed the interview and only need to pay for a background check through a partner site.
Ask the employer to confirm the screening provider from a public company email.
Job seekers
Global
Freelance project unlock fee scam
A freelancer wins a project but is told they must buy a platform license, ID badge, or portfolio review to start.
Do not buy access tools or badges to start freelance work.
Freelancers
Global
Payroll onboarding direct-deposit phishing scam
A fake HR portal appears during onboarding and captures banking, tax, and identity documents before the job is confirmed.
Confirm onboarding links with the employer through a public number or known email.
New hires
Global
Lawsuit settlement recovery scam
A fake legal team says your prior scam loss is part of a settlement, but court taxes or release fees are needed before payment.
Independently verify any legal claim before sending release fees.
Prior fraud victims
Global
Airline rebooking payment call scam
A traveler searching for support reaches a fake airline agent who charges rebooking or seat-protection fees over the phone.
Use the airline app or official number from your itinerary.
Travelers
Global
Hotel card verification call scam
A guest receives a room phone call or message saying the front desk needs card details again because the first authorization failed.
Walk to the front desk in person before giving any payment information.
Hotel guests
Global
Airline luggage fee link scam
A message says your bag will not board unless you settle an outstanding luggage or customs fee through a link.
Check baggage status in the airline app instead of using the message.
Air travelers
Global
Cruise upgrade payment scam
A caller says your cruise cabin upgrade or onboard credit is ready but must be paid or confirmed immediately.
Call the cruise line using the number on your booking documents.
Cruise travelers
Global
Apple ID security alert takeover scam
A polished alert page claims your Apple ID is locked and captures credentials plus device passcodes or MFA approvals.
Open device settings directly and review security alerts there.
iPhone users
Global
Cloud storage password reset scam
A fake cloud-storage notice says files were shared suspiciously and captures the victim's account credentials or approval codes.
Use the storage provider app or website directly to review security alerts.
Remote workers
Global
Hotel loyalty account takeover scam
A loyalty member receives a fake points-expiry notice that leads to account takeover and stolen reward balances.
Sign in from the hotel's app or website directly to verify your points.
Frequent travelers
Global