Scammed? what to do

Report to USCIS

Last updated September 18, 2026

The short answer

Report an immigration scam, which does not affect your own case

The most important thing USCIS says about reporting is not about the scam at all. Reporting one will not affect your immigration application or petition. That fear is exactly what these operations rely on.

What they handle

  • Notarios and consultants charging for legal advice they cannot give
  • Callers impersonating USCIS and demanding payment
  • Fake websites charging for free USCIS forms
  • Anyone guaranteeing a visa or a green card

How to file a report

  1. 1

    Report it without fear for your own case

    USCIS states that reporting scams will not affect your immigration application or petition. It also notes you do not need a representative to file forms and may represent yourself.

  2. 2

    Report to the FTC

    USCIS directs people to the Federal Trade Commission, which takes reports on 877-FTC-HELP.

  3. 3

    Tell your state consumer protection office

    USCIS names the state consumer protection office as the other route, and asks you to report to local police if you lost money.

  4. 4

    Check who is actually allowed to advise you

    Only an attorney, or an accredited representative at a Department of Justice recognised organisation, can give immigration legal advice. A notario público in the US cannot, whatever the title means elsewhere.

What you'll need

  • The name and address of the person or business
  • Receipts and any contract you signed
  • Copies of forms they filed for you

What to expect

The report feeds enforcement rather than resolving your own case. The money is usually recovered, if at all, through your state consumer protection office or the courts.

Go to USCIS: Report immigration scams

Frequently asked questions

Will reporting hurt my green card application?

No. USCIS states that reporting a scam will not affect your immigration application or petition. The people running these scams count on you believing otherwise.

Company guide

USCIS and Immigration scams

Knowing which scam you were hit by makes the report better. This is how scams impersonating USCIS and Immigration actually work, what the company will never ask you for, and the warning signs to recognise next time.

Read the guide →