International

Avoiding Scams Against Immigrants

Whether you’re renewing your Green Card, becoming a citizen, or trying to choose the right forms, immigration issues can be complicated. It’s important to do things right.  Use these resources to help spot and avoid scams, and find the right kind of help.

Diversity Visa Lottery Scams

Each year, the U.S. Department of State runs the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. The Program lets people get a "green card" - apply to be a lawful permanent resident. Dishonest attorneys and others may try to trick people who want to enter the lottery. Read more

Foreign Money Scams (WI)

People in Wisconsin are being targeted to invest in complicated bank fraud schemes that originate outside the U.S. One common scam starts with an unexpected letter or email from someone claiming to work on a Nigerian government project. 

International Lottery Scams

Scam operators use the phone and direct mail to entice U.S. consumers to buy chances in high-stakes foreign lotteries. The solicitations violate U.S. law, which ban selling or buying lottery tickets from outside the U.S. by phone or mail. The FTC has words of caution about responding to a foreign lottery.

Jamaican Fraudsters Targeting U.S. Consumers

Fraudulent telemarketers based in Jamaica call people in the U.S. and say they've won a sweepstakes or foreign lottery. The Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Jamaican law enforcement say most of the promotions are tricks to try and get your money The agencies are working together to stop the scams.