Guide · Updated 2026
Fake USCIS, IRS & Police Call Scams: Don’t Get Tricked
A caller claims to be from USCIS, the IRS, or the police, says there is a problem with your visa or taxes, and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest or deportation. It is a scam. Here is how these calls work and exactly what to do.
How do fake immigration call scams work?
Scammers spoof official-looking numbers and use fear — deportation, arrest, a "compromised SSN" — to rush you into paying before you can think or verify.
- They demand payment by gift cards, wire transfer, crypto, or Zelle — never how real agencies collect.
- They threaten immediate arrest, deportation, or visa cancellation.
- They may "know" some personal details to sound convincing.
- They insist you stay on the phone and tell no one.
What government agencies will never do
Knowing the rules makes the scam obvious.
- USCIS and the IRS never call to demand instant payment or threaten arrest by phone.
- No real agency accepts gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers as payment.
- They will not ask for your full SSN or bank password over the phone.
- Official notices come by mail; you can verify case status on the agency’s real website.
What should I do if I get one of these calls?
Stay calm and do not act under pressure.
- Hang up. Do not press any buttons or "confirm" details.
- Never send money or share documents — verify independently first.
- Look up the agency’s official number yourself and call to confirm your real status.
- Report it to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) and warn your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can USCIS really cancel my visa over the phone?
No. USCIS communicates important decisions in writing by mail, not by threatening phone calls demanding payment. A call like that is a scam — hang up and verify your case status on the official USCIS website.
They knew my name and some details. Is it still a scam?
Yes. Scammers often buy or find partial personal data to sound legitimate. Knowing your name proves nothing — no real agency demands gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers, or threatens instant arrest.
I already paid. What now?
Act fast: contact your bank or the gift-card issuer to try to stop or reverse the payment, change exposed passwords, report to the FTC, and consider a credit freeze. Then warn others so they don’t fall for it.