Scam or NotScam No. 0132026-10-29
Is this text a scam?
SCAM
?+1 (202) 555-0131
Text Message · Today 9:41
Hi! Thanks for liking our post. Our law office guarantees your work permit or green card. Send the fee today by payment app and we will book your virtual immigration appointment on video chat. Reply YES to start.
Recreated from an FTC Consumer Alert from December 2024, which describes the guarantee, the payment request, and the fake virtual appointment.
3 red flags
- RED FLAG 1Guaranteed green cardPromising a green card up front is how this scam works.
Source: “they’ll contact you and guarantee you’ll get a work permit, green card, or citizenship — but it’s a scam.” link - RED FLAG 2Pay by app firstNext they push you to send money through an app.
Source: “Next, they ask you to send them money using Western Union or Zelle.” link - RED FLAG 3Video chat appointmentReal appointments arrive by mail or your official account, never on messenger apps.
Source: “Some immigration proceedings are now virtual, but applicants get their appointments by mail or through their MyUSCIS account, never on messenger apps.” link
Safe move
Check the real .gov site
Go to the official government site yourself and check your case status there.
Source: “Go to USCIS.gov for legitimate immigration information. If you have a pending application or petition, check your case status online.” link
Go to the official government site yourself and check your case status there.
Source: “Go to USCIS.gov for legitimate immigration information. If you have a pending application or petition, check your case status online.” link
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