Most immigration scams follow the same few patterns. Once you know them, they are much easier to spot. Here are the seven we hear about most, and how to protect yourself from each one.
1A job offer or LMIA "for sale"
Someone offers you a guaranteed job in Canada, or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if you pay a fee. Genuine Canadian employers do not sell job offers, and the LMIA is applied for by the employer, not the worker.
If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or an LMIA, it is a scam.
2The "guaranteed approval"
No one can guarantee a visa, study permit, work permit or permanent residence. Decisions are made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A consultant who promises approval is either misleading you or planning something worse.
3Calls, emails or messages pretending to be IRCC
Scammers claim to be from IRCC, often saying there is a problem with your file and you must pay immediately or face deportation. IRCC does not collect payments by phone, and it does not ask for personal or banking details through social media. If you're unsure, hang up and contact IRCC yourself through the official canada.ca website.
4Payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer
Government agencies never ask to be paid in gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers to individuals. Official IRCC fees are paid online through IRCC's own system. Any request to pay another way is a warning sign.
5"Fast-track" or "special program" fees
Some people claim to have contacts inside IRCC or access to a secret program that speeds up your file for an extra fee. Processing times are public and apply to everyone. There is no paid shortcut.
6Ghost consultants
A ghost consultant takes your money and prepares your application but refuses to put their name on it. If something goes wrong, you have no protection and no one to hold accountable. A legitimate representative is named on your application and gives you a licence number you can check.
7Fake websites and look-alike accounts
Scam sites copy government logos and colours, and fake social media accounts use names close to official ones. Type canada.ca yourself instead of clicking links in messages, and check the web address carefully before entering any details or paying.
If you think you've been targeted
- Stop all contact and don't send any more money or documents.
- Contact your bank right away. Moving fast can sometimes reverse a payment.
- Keep every message, receipt and screenshot as evidence.
- Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and to IRCC through the fraud reporting pages on canada.ca.
A simple rule to remember
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time, check licences, and never let anyone rush you into paying.
Deal only with verified people
On Toned Toonie, every member's identity is verified with a passport and government ID before they can use the platform, so you always know who you're talking to.