Is a call from an immigration officer threatening arrest real?
No. Genuine immigration authorities do not call to demand immediate payment or threaten same-day arrest. This is a government impersonation scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Immigration arrest scams target non-citizens, students, and recent arrivals who may feel especially vulnerable. A caller claiming to be an immigration official, border force agent, or government inspector says there is a problem with your visa, work permit, or tax record and that you will be arrested or deported unless you pay a fine immediately — usually by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Real immigration enforcement does not operate this way. If authorities had a legal concern about your status, they would contact you in writing, through official channels, and you would have the right to legal advice before any action. These calls rely on fear and are designed to prevent you from pausing to verify.
Common red flags
- Caller threatens immediate arrest or deportation unless you pay
- Payment demanded by gift card, wire transfer, or crypto
- Caller tells you not to speak to a lawyer or family member
- Caller knows your name but not specific case details
- You are told to stay on the line while purchasing gift cards
What to do now
- Hang up — do not pay anything
- Contact an immigration lawyer or legal aid service to check your actual status
- Report the call to your national fraud reporting service
- Warn community members who may also receive such calls
Frequently asked questions
What if the caller knows my address and visa details?
Scammers buy personal data. Knowing some details makes the call sound credible but does not confirm the caller is a real official. Always verify through official government websites.