Immigration / Visa Status Threat Call Scam Examples
Callers impersonate immigration officials, claiming your visa or residency status has a problem and you will be deported or arrested unless you pay an immediate fine.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
This is Officer [name] from US Citizenship and Immigration Services. There is a critical error on your visa application. You must pay a [amount] processing fee today or face deportation proceedings.
Your [visa type] status has been flagged for suspicious activity. An arrest warrant is being prepared. To suspend the warrant, you must report to a payment centre immediately with [amount].
Automated notice: A discrepancy in your immigration records requires urgent resolution. Failure to pay [amount] within 24 hours will result in your case being referred to federal enforcement.
This is a final warning from the Department of Homeland Security. Your work authorisation is being cancelled. Call [fake number] immediately to pay the resolution fee of [amount].
What the scammer wants
To exploit fears about immigration status, especially among non-citizens, to extort immediate payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Red flags in the message
- Real immigration agencies do not call to demand immediate cash or gift card payments
- Threats of immediate deportation or arrest within hours
- Caller insists you stay on the line and not call a lawyer or family member
- Requests payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Caller has your name but uses vague or inaccurate details about your actual case
- Callback number does not match the official government agency number
A safe response
Hang up immediately. Any genuine communication from immigration authorities arrives in writing by mail. If you have concerns, contact an immigration attorney or the agency directly using contact details from the official government website.
What not to send
- Gift card codes or PINs
- Wire transfers or crypto
- Copies of immigration documents on demand from a cold caller
What to do if you already replied
- If you paid, report to local police and the FTC, and consult an immigration attorney
- If you shared document details, notify your immigration attorney and monitor for identity fraud
- Contact the real agency's fraud reporting line to flag the impersonation
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times