OTTAWA – The Canadian federal department has issued a latest advisory to protect people from visa scams and financial losses.
In a message to the newcomers, IRCC said: “As a resident, you have rights and freedoms protected by Canadian law”.
The advisory issued on Facebook stated that IRCC immigration officers will never ask for email payment, phone payment or bank transfer.
“If someone claiming to be from IRCC requests payment this way, it’s a scam!” it warned.
It highlighted that IRCC accepts online payment only, via the IRCC portal.
It further warned that newcomers can face the following scams after they arrive in Canada:
People posing as Government of Canada staff
Phishing emails or text messages
Computer virus scams
Fake prizes and contests
Tax scams
Protect yourself from fraud
It said no one can guarantee the foreign nationals a job or a visa to Canada or permanent residence.
“Only immigration officers in Canada at Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates can decide to issue a visa,” it said.
IRCC processing fees are the same for all of our services in Canada and around the world. Fees in local currencies are based on official exchange rates. They’re the same amount as fees in Canadian dollars.
It has issued a reminder to the public regarding safe online payment practices for immigration-related fees. The IRCC has clarified that it accepts payments through its official website and emphasizes that users should follow the instructions provided there.
The IRCC also warned individuals against falling victim to scams, outlining key signs of fraudulent activity. The IRCC will never ask applicants to:
Deposit money into a personal bank account
Make immediate fee payments without sufficient notice
Use prepaid credit cards, Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards, or similar services for fee transfers
Threaten applicants with arrest, deportation, or harm to their families for unpaid fees
Offer special deals or promises of prioritized immigration processing in exchange for additional payments or personal information
Contact individuals through free email services like Hotmail, Gmail, or Yahoo, or through social media
Request private personal information unless it is to verify existing details
Applicants are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities. The IRCC reassured the public that all official communications regarding fees and services will be conducted through verified channels.
