Can an immigrant be deported if they don't pay a fine over the phone?
No. Immigration authorities do not call people demanding immediate payment to avoid deportation. These calls are scams targeting immigrant communities.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Scammers impersonating immigration authorities such as USCIS, ICE, the UK Home Office, or similar agencies target immigrants with threats that arrest or deportation will follow unless an immediate fee is paid by phone. The callers may know personal details, speak the victim's language, and sound official. These threats are false. Real immigration enforcement does not work this way — genuine notices are sent in writing, and official fees are paid through government portals, not by phone to an unknown person. The fear of deportation makes these calls especially effective and psychologically harmful.
Common red flags
- Phone call threatening deportation or arrest unless you pay immediately
- Caller identifies as ICE, USCIS, Home Office, or a similar agency
- Payment demanded by gift card, wire, or MoneyGram
- Caller insists you must not speak to a lawyer or family member
- Call escalates with each payment, demanding more
What to do now
- Hang up immediately and do not pay
- Contact an accredited immigration lawyer or legitimate immigration advocacy group
- Report the call to the FTC (US) or Action Fraud (UK)
- Share information with community organisations that can warn others
Frequently asked questions
What if the caller has my visa or case number?
Case numbers can be obtained from various sources and do not confirm the caller is legitimate. Always verify by contacting the official agency through its published website — not the number provided by the caller.