How To Help an Immigrant Relative Avoid Visa and Legal Scams
How to support a family member navigating immigration processes and protect them from scammers who exploit fear and unfamiliarity.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
People going through immigration processes can be particularly vulnerable to scammers who impersonate government agencies, fake legal advisers, or exploit fear of deportation or visa refusal. These scams often target people who are isolated, unfamiliar with local systems, or worried about their status. Supporting a relative in this situation requires patience, practical help, and knowledge of where to turn for genuine assistance.
Know the most common immigration scams
Being able to name the scam helps relatives recognise it when it happens to them.
- Fake legal advisers charging fees for non-existent services or applications
- Callers claiming to be immigration enforcement and demanding an immediate payment to avoid arrest
- Websites that look like official government portals but charge fees and steal data
- Notarios or 'immigration consultants' with no legal authority to give immigration advice
Know the rules of genuine government contact
Immigration authorities have specific procedures. Understanding what they will and will not do makes scam calls easier to identify.
- Genuine immigration agencies do not demand immediate payment over the phone to avoid arrest
- Official fee payments are always made through official government websites
- Anyone providing immigration legal advice for payment must be properly authorised — check official registers
- Real notices arrive by post on official letterhead, with reference numbers that can be verified
Point to genuine sources of help
Knowing where to go for legitimate immigration advice is as important as knowing where not to go.
- Citizens Advice and immigration charity services offer free or low-cost regulated advice
- Law Society and OISC registers list authorised immigration advisers (UK)
- Official government immigration portals — always check the URL is a genuine government domain
- Local community legal centres and migrant support organisations
Conversation script
“I know immigration paperwork can feel stressful and complicated — I want us to make sure you are only dealing with people who are genuinely allowed to help.”
“If anyone ever calls saying you will be arrested unless you pay right now, hang up. That is not how any government department works.”
“Can we look together at where to get proper immigration advice? There are free regulated services we can use.”
Frequently asked questions
What if my relative has already paid a scammer claiming to be an immigration official?
Report it to the national fraud reporting service and the relevant immigration authority. Keep records of any payments or communications. Seek advice from a regulated immigration adviser about the impact on any genuine application.
How do we check whether an immigration adviser is legitimate?
In the UK, check the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) register or the Law Society's Find a Solicitor tool. In other countries, equivalent regulatory bodies maintain public registers of authorised advisers.