In Canada, March is recognized as Fraud Prevention Month, which includes awareness about immigration fraud. During this month, the government and organizations educate people on how to avoid scams related to immigration, visas, and settlement services.

Common Types of Immigration Fraud:

1. Fake Immigration Consultants – Scammers pretend to be licensed immigration consultants and charge money for fake services ( Unauthorized agents inside and outside Canada who are not Licenced to practice)
2. Job Offer Scams – Fraudulent employers promise jobs in Canada in exchange for payment( eg.LMIA)
3. Fake Websites ,Emails and Social Media Accounts – Scammers create websites that look like official government pages and social  media accounts like Tik tok and Instagram  to trick people into providing personal information
4. Marriage Fraud – Fake marriages arranged to get immigration status(eg. Spousal Sponsorships)
5. Document Fraud – Using fake passports, visas, education documents , employment documents or other papers to enter or stay in Canada.
6. Computer Virus Scams, Tax Scams are few other frauds that you can encounter while you live in Canada,

How to Protect Yourself:

✔ Only use licensed Immigration Practitioners – Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (check on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) website), or Immigration Lawyers in Canada (Check the Law Society of the province or territory where the lawyer practices) 
✔ Never pay for a job offer—employers should not ask for money to recruit an employee.
✔ Visit the official Government of Canada website (www.canada.ca) for accurate immigration information.
✔ Be careful with emails or phone calls asking for personal details.
✔ Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Things to also consider:

• It is an offense to provide paid immigration advice without being licensed by the CICC, a Canadian law society, or the Chambre des notaires du Québec: 
• If a representative does not want to provide their RCIC number or Law Society number, this is a red flag.
• Be wary of anyone calling themselves a consultant or lawyer without being licensed.
• You could also ask for references, check CICC register and read online reviews( if available) to get a better understanding of the consultant or lawyer's reputation.

•    Refer the link below for more important information to Prevent fraud as a New Comer to Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/protect-fraud/newcomers.html

 Learn more about how to prevent Immigration Fraud or reach out to us if you encountered one

Book a Consultation with Us:

WhatsApp:+16475621925
Web: www.bluevervain.ca
Email: info@bluevervain.ca
Instagram: @bluevervainimmigration

 

Disclaimer : Please be advised that immigration laws in Canada are constantly subject to change. As a result, at the time of your application, some of the above-mentioned details and descriptions might not be relevant or may not be applicable to your application. Before making any decisions, please verify your information with reliable (government) sources or get assistance from a legal counsel.