Punjab complaints highlight growing risk
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has warned newcomers and immigration applicants about increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, including scams using artificial intelligence to create fake videos, voices and other content that can appear to come from government officials.
The warning comes amid complaints from a few people in Punjab who were allegedly duped by fraudsters posing as immigration officials and offering guaranteed jobs in Canada in exchange for kickbacks.
IRCC has urged applicants to remain cautious and verify immigration-related information only through official government channels.
Fake officials, fake messages and AI-generated content
In its public advisory, IRCC said scammers are increasingly using technology, including AI, to create convincing content designed to mislead prospective immigrants and newcomers.
The department said newcomers can be particularly vulnerable because they may not yet be familiar with how government agencies and businesses operate in Canada.
Common scams include people posing as Government of Canada officials, phishing emails and text messages, computer-virus scams, fake prize or contest offers and tax-related fraud.
No one can guarantee a job or visa
IRCC reiterated that no person or representative can guarantee a job, visa, permanent residence or any other immigration outcome.
The department clarified that only immigration officers in Canada and at Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates have the authority to decide whether a visa should be issued.
Applicants have also been reminded that immigration processing fees are standardised worldwide and that official payments should be made through government-approved online channels.
IRCC lists red flags applicants should watch for
IRCC said its employees will never ask applicants to deposit money into a personal bank account or send funds through private money-transfer services.
Officials will also not threaten applicants with arrest or deportation over unpaid fees, offer special immigration deals or promise approval in return for additional money or personal information.
Another key warning is about email addresses. IRCC said its officials do not use free email services such as Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo Mail to contact applicants.
Verify before paying
With AI making fake voices, videos and messages increasingly convincing, immigration applicants are being advised not to trust a communication simply because it appears official.
For newcomers and prospective immigrants, IRCC's message is clear: verify the source, check information through official channels and never pay anyone for a guaranteed immigration outcome.
