Understanding & Preventing Fraud for Newcomers in Canada

• 19 Nov 2025
• Canada

Understanding & Preventing Fraud for Newcomers in Canada

Common Scams Targeting Newcomers

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), newcomers may face several types of fraudulent activity: (Canada)

1. Impersonation Scams
   Scammers may pretend to be Canadian government officials calling or emailing to claim you’ve done something wrong with your immigration paperwork. They might threaten deportation if you don’t pay. But IRCC is clear: they will never threaten to deport you for unpaid fees. (Canada)

   • Don’t share sensitive information like your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or file number. (Canada)

   • Caller ID can be faked, so a “real” number isn’t always genuine. (Canada)

2. Phishing Emails or Texts
   You may receive messages that look like they come from someone you know or from official organizations, asking you to visit a website and enter personal or financial details. (Canada)

   • Don’t click on suspicious links.

   • Always verify the sender’s identity before sharing any personal information. (Canada)

3. Computer Virus Scams
   Fraudsters may call or email, claiming your computer has a virus, and then ask for access to fix it but that’s just a ploy to steal your data. (Canada)

   • Only let a professional shop or trusted source help you with computer issues.

   • Use antivirus software from a reputable source. (Canada)

4. Fake Prizes & Contests
   If you get a message saying you won something you never entered, it’s likely a scam. (Canada)

   • Do not reply “stop” or anything else scammers do this to confirm your number is real.

   • Forward those messages to 7726 (“SPAM”) so your phone provider can block future texts. (Canada)

5. Tax Scams
   Some fraudsters may promise to lower your taxes or offer benefit payments for periods before you arrived in Canada. These are often false schemes. (Canada)

   • If you take part in a fraudulent tax scheme, you may face penalties, fines, or even jail time. (Canada)

   • Always make sure your tax return is accurate, and retain documentation, even if someone else helps you. (Canada)

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How to Protect Yourself

Here are some guiding principles to stay safe: (Canada)

• Be skeptical of guarantees: No one can guarantee you a job or a visa to Canada. (Canada)

• Visa decisions are made only by official immigration officers at Canadian embassies or consulates not by random callers. (Canada)

• IRCC’s fees are fixed: Whether you're applying from inside or outside Canada, the processing fees don’t change. (Canada)

• Pay only through the official IRCC channels. Avoid using prepaid credit cards, wire transfers, Western Union, gift cards, or similar services. (Canada)

• IRCC staff will never threaten to deport you for unpaid fees or use social media / free email services (like Hotmail, Gmail) to contact you. (Canada)

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What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If something seems off, act right away. (Canada) Here’s what you can do:

• Call the Client Support Centre if you’re in Canada and you suspect a fraudulent call, text, or email related to your immigration status. (Canada)

• Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) if you’ve encountered phishing or other scams. (Canada)

• If you think your visa documents are fake, or someone misled you about your application, you can report it to IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). (Canada)

• For urgent threats (abuse, forced marriage, etc.), call 911 or contact the human trafficking hotline: 1-833-900-1010. (Canada)

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Why This Matters

Fraud targeting newcomers isn’t just about losing money it can have serious legal and personal consequences. Fabricating or misrepresenting information in immigration applications may lead to visa refusal, bans from future applications, or even jail time. (Canada)

That’s why IRCC has increased its efforts to detect and stop fraud. In 2024, they investigated more than 9,000 suspected fraud cases every month, introduced tougher penalties for dishonest representatives, and cracked down on illegal activity in systems like Express Entry. (Canada)

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Final Thoughts

• Learn to recognize the red flags of common scams.

• Stick to official IRCC channels.

• Report any suspicious activity it helps protect you and others.

By staying alert and informed, newcomers can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud

Moving to a new country is exciting but it also comes with risks. Unfortunately, newcomers to Canada are often targets for scammers who try to exploit their unfamiliarity with local systems. Here’s a breakdown of the common frauds aimed at immigrants, how to protect yourself, and where to report suspicious activity.