Immigration consultant scams are unfortunately becoming more and more common. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can register a website domain and create social media accounts and start a scam. Often, they will target an existing business and licensed consultant and use the established names. This is very negative for the legal, legitimate immigration consultants who have invested years in their education, credentials and businesses. I have been the victim of impersonators myself. Here are my tips for recognizing a fraud if someone contacts you saying they are me:
1. Always check the area code of the phone number they list on their website or on WhatsApp. Mine is a Montreal area code (514). The scammers are using phone numbers listed in Wisconsin (920) and Boston (781), and probably others.
2. Look at the photos and names that appear on the website and social media. Do they seem reasonable? Are they misspelled? In Canada the first name comes before the last name, so someone calling themselves “Bender Christophers” is definitely a sign of a fraud and should be reported.
3. Did the “consultant” contact you first? Cold-calling is not a common business practice for real immigration consultants. Always ask for a video call if you are not sure of the identity of the person you are talking to. And definitely do not pay for anything if they do not offer you a contract outlining your rights and the services provided.
4. Are they offering to get you a Canadian work permit or a “work visa”? This is generally not possible unless you first have an employment offer from a Canadian company. Temporary work permits are issued in order to fill a legitimate economic need in Canada. And the term “work visa” does not exist — it is simply a visitor visa. Legal recruiters may help you find a job in Canada, but you should not have to pay for this service. The hiring company pays the recruiter fees. So please be careful!
Let’s all combat immigration scams together! At Azurverde Immigration Services, we are committed to the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.