Every year in March, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) participates in the Canadian government’s Fraud Protection Month to shed light on the fraud experienced by newcomers to Canada and how they can protect themselves.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
Canada’s immigration process can be complex and daunting. Many prospective immigrants hire a professional for support throughout the process. Unfortunately, there are ill-intentioned individuals and unlicensed consultants who exploit foreigners’ inexperience for their own gain.
Upon successful immigration to Canada, newcomers may also be vulnerable to scammers or dishonest individuals during their job or housing search. There may be advertisements guaranteeing high paying jobs or scholarships to study at Canadian universities or colleges. Newcomers should be aware that many of these offers are fraudulent.
The best way to protect yourself from immigration fraud is to be informed and prepared. Once educated on the warning signs of a scam or fraudulent communication, a newcomer will be able to recognize, avoid and report fraud.
IRCC’s website provides information on some common scams aimed at newcomers to Canada:
IRCC works to protect immigrants and Canadians from falling victim to scams. They provide things that prospective immigrants and newcomers to Canada should keep in mind:
It is important to remember that IRCC will never email or call applicants to confirm basic information provided on application forms or ask for banking or credit card information by email.
An email you received might be a scam if:
If you choose to hire a representative, use an authorized immigration and citizenship consultant, lawyer or Quebec notary.
IRCC indicates that you should report any immigration fraud to the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Border Watch Toll-Free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
If you believe you are a victim of an Internet, email or telephone scam or fraud while in Canada, you should contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
© Want to advertise on CIC News? Click here to contact us.