Scammers impersonate US immigration officers
The FTC is warning consumers about a recent uptick in calls claiming to be ICE. It isn't ICE who is calling. It is usually scammers pretending to be from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is the latest trend from scammers trying to get money or your personal information to steal your identity.
Typically, these scammers will call or email you claiming that you've voilated immigration law. They will scare or bully you until you give them your personal information. In some cases, these scammers will say you need to pay back fees or an immigration bond.
Then, after they have identified you as a viable target, they'll threaten to alert the police or have you deported if you don't give them the information they want. This can be very upsetting.
Here are some things to know according the the FTC:
- ICE and USCIS never call out of the blue and demand money. So if the caller wants you to pay a fee or share personal details like your date of birth or bank account numbers, hang up. It’s a scam.
- ICE and USCIS never accept payments using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If someone asks you to pay this way, it’s a scam. Always.
- Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can make their phone numbers look real even if they’re not. Sometimes they’ll have you look up their number to confirm it’s what’s listed on the agency’s website — even if it matches, it could be a trick.
- Check with ICE or USCIS if you’re unsure about whether a call or email is real. Never call back phone numbers in caller ID or left in voicemails or emails. Instead, type the agency name into a search bar and click on their webpage to find contact information.
For more information on these types of scams, visit ftc.gov/imposters. And if you spot this, or any scam, report it to the FTC.