Fake Citizenship Test Services via SMS
How fraudulent citizenship test preparation services reach immigrants through text messages impersonating official government notifications about naturalisation requirements.
Part of: Fake Citizenship Test Services
Last reviewed: 9 June 2026
SMS-based fake citizenship test service scams exploit the authority that government text messages carry. Immigrants who are in the naturalisation process may receive genuine SMS communications from official services, making a text claiming to be about citizenship test requirements feel plausible and time-sensitive.
The text format is especially effective for this fraud because the limited content of an SMS prevents recipients from conducting the immediate scrutiny they might apply to a longer email. A short message about an upcoming citizenship interview or a new online test preparation requirement generates clicks at a higher rate than a promotional email would.
The fraud is particularly harmful when it collects immigration case reference numbers or national ID details, as these can be used for identity fraud in addition to the direct financial loss from any payment made.
How this scam works on SMS
A text message arrives claiming to be from USCIS, a citizenship authority, or a government-endorsed preparation service, informing the recipient that a new mandatory online preparation module is required before their citizenship interview, or that test study materials are now available. A link leads to a convincing website.
The website charges for study materials or an access code to an online preparation portal. Payment is collected via card. After payment, the materials provided are either generic copies of free official resources or are entirely non-functional. In data-harvesting variants, the website collects the recipient's immigration case reference number, national ID, and date of birth under the guise of registration.
All official US citizenship study materials are available free at uscis.gov with no text message notification required.
Common red flags
- Text message claims to be from USCIS or a government authority about citizenship test preparation requirements
- Link in the text leads to a website that is not the official USCIS or government immigration domain
- Website charges for study materials described as required or government-endorsed
- Registration collects immigration case reference numbers, national ID, or passport details
- Message creates urgency tied to an upcoming interview or application deadline
- Sender number is a standard mobile number rather than a government short code
How to protect yourself
- Access official citizenship test materials directly from uscis.gov — they are free and require no SMS notification
- Never click links in unsolicited text messages about citizenship test requirements
- USCIS communicates formal case updates through official postal mail, not by unsolicited SMS with payment links
- Do not provide immigration case reference numbers to any website reached through an SMS link
- Forward suspicious government-impersonating texts to your carrier's spam reporting line
How to report it
- Report to USCIS at uscis.gov/report-immigration-scam if official USCIS identity was impersonated
- File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Forward the SMS to 7726 (UK) or your national spam reporting number
Frequently asked questions
Does USCIS contact applicants by text message about citizenship test requirements?
USCIS primarily communicates case updates through official postal mail and through its online case status portal. USCIS does not send unsolicited SMS messages with links to paid study services or with requests for payment.