Scam Alert: DHS OIG Hotline Telephone Number Used in Scam to Obtain Personal Information

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a fraud alert on April 19, 2017, to warn the public about a scam using the DHS OIG hotline telephone number. Scammers have identified themselves as “U.S. Immigration” employees and have altered their caller ID to seem like the call is coming from the DHS OIG hotline (1-800-323-8603). They then demand that the individual provide or verify personally identifiable information, often by telling individuals that they are victims of identity theft.

Read the DHS OIG fraud alert for more details.

If a Scammer Calls You

If you receive a call demanding personal information or payment, hang up immediately. If you want to verify whether a call is from USCIS, you may:

* Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 to ask if you need to do anything about your case or immigration status,

* Make an InfoPass appointment at http://infopass.uscis.gov, or

* Use myUSCIS to find up-to-date information about your application.

Remember, USCIS officials will never threaten you or ask for payment over the phone or in an email. If we need payment, we will mail a letter on official stationery requesting payment. Do not give payment over the phone to anyone who claims to be a USCIS official. In general, we encourage you to protect your personal information and not to provide details about your immigration application in any public area.

How to Report a Call from a Scammer

If you receive a scam email or phone call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at http://1.usa.gov/1suOHSS. If you are not sure if it is a scam, forward the suspicious email to the USCIS webmaster at uscis.webmaster@uscis.dhs.gov. USCIS will review the emails received and share with law enforcement agencies as appropriate. Visit the Avoid Scams Initiative at www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams for more information on common scams and other important tips.

SOURCE: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis@public.govdelivery.com)

WARNING: Immigration Scams

"Today New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued an urgent fraud alert, warning immigrant communities of potential scams in light of recent reports that fraudsters have been posing as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents scams and demanding money in order to avoid deportation. The Attorney General’s office has received an increased number of reported scams along these lines following the ICE deportation raids that have taken place over the last few days." 

See the full message here.

REPOST: BEWARE OF SCAM PHONE CALLS

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has issued an alert warning immigrants of scam phone calls being made to USCIS customers. Customers report receiving phone calls from someone who claims to be calling from USCIS or ICE (Immigration & Customs  Enforcement). The caller ID on these calls match an actual USCIS or ICE number, which makes the call seem legitimate. However, the person making these calls usually threatens deportation or other serious consequences unless a payment is made either by making a money transfer, sending a money order or other form of payment.

If you receive one of these calls, DO NOT give any payment or personal information over the phone. Hang up and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (click here to be redirected to their site). If you have additional concerns, you can call the USCIS Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or contact an attorney.

See the USCIS warning here. 

BEWARE OF SCAM PHONE CALLS

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has issued an alert warning immigrants of scam phone calls being made to USCIS customers. Customers report receiving phone calls from someone who claims to be calling from USCIS or ICE (Immigration & Customs  Enforcement). The caller ID on these calls match an actual USCIS or ICE number, which makes the call seem legitimate. However, the person making these calls usually threatens deportation or other serious consequences unless a payment is made either by making a money transfer, sending a money order or other form of payment.

If you receive one of these calls, DO NOT give any payment or personal information over the phone. Hang up and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (click here to be redirected to their site). If you have additional concerns, you can call the USCIS Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or contact an attorney.

See the USCIS warning here.  

Additional information here.