What are the most common scams among immigrants?

Immigrants in Canada, especially those who have just arrived and have not yet had time to get used to local realities, often become targets for fraudsters. On the one hand, they may not be familiar with all the intricacies of Canadian law, and on the other hand, they may be trusting until they have formed a social network of acquaintances and become familiar with official procedures. Fraud schemes targeting immigrants mostly exploit their fear of losing their status, their desire to settle in quickly, and their lack of knowledge of language and cultural differences. In this article, we will look at the most common types of fraud affecting immigrant communities and offer advice on how to protect yourself from scammers.

1. Immigration service fraud

When a person comes to Canada under a temporary protection program or as a refugee, they must complete paperwork with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Unscrupulous individuals and agencies often offer “expedited” or “guaranteed” services for obtaining work permits, visas, or PR cards, even though they have no authority to do so.

Fraudsters create fake websites that mimic the official government portal, using fake Canadian addresses and photocopies of logos. Victims pay tens of thousands of dollars for “insider” help or “personal contact at IRCC,” but end up with nothing but empty promises. Most often, these companies do not return the money or disappear with customer data, which they then use for further fraud.

To avoid this trap, it is best to contact only official intermediaries listed on the Canada.ca website or seek free assistance from the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) or Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC). The government IRCC does not charge clients for consultations — all fees are paid directly through the official portal.

2. Financial scams and phishing

Lack of knowledge about Canada's financial system often leads immigrants to agree to offers to instantly “double their investment” or “get rid of their debts” for a small fee. Such schemes, known as pyramid schemes or Ponzi schemes, require contributions under the guise of investments in real estate or start-ups. Initially, small dividends are paid out to build trust, and then the organizers disappear with the participants' money.

In addition, phishing attacks are common: fraudsters send emails or SMS messages purportedly from a bank, IRCC, or CRA, asking to update login details on the website, imitating the appearance of financial institutions. It is easy to reveal passwords or personal data in this way, and then the attackers can withdraw all funds from the victim's account.

It is important to always check the website URL before entering your login details, never open suspicious attachments, and call the official hotlines of banks (for example, TD — 1-866-222-3456, RBC — 1-800-769-2511) to confirm the authenticity of the message.

3. Housing and rental fraud

Lack of knowledge of the local real estate market creates demand for cheap housing. Scammers create fake ads for apartments or rooms at attractive prices and ask for a deposit via money transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram) before you even see the place. Once the money is received, the apartment is suddenly “booked” or the realtor disappears.

Immigrants should use trusted platforms (Kijiji, MLS through licensed realtors) and arrange a personal meeting with the owner or agent to view the property in person, if possible, bringing a friend as a translator or witness. Any transfers abroad or through illegal services should be considered a serious risk.

4. Fake employers and labor exploitation

When looking for work, immigrants often encounter fake job offers: expired TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program) or Job Bank programs, where “employers” require prepayment for a visa or medical examination. After receiving the funds, they disappear, and the job does not exist.

To avoid this, you need to make sure that the employer is registered on the Service Canada website and check that they have a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Official job postings should be found on Job Bank, a government platform, and on the websites of well-known companies. Never pay for job guarantees.

5. Electronic money and cryptocurrency fraud

Some scammers offer “easy profits” through investments in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. They create fake trading platforms with real charts to gain trust, and then block customers' accounts from withdrawing funds.

Immigrants looking for alternative financial instruments should learn about the regulation of crypto exchanges in Canada through FINTRAC and check licenses before making any investments. It is better to turn to well-known exchanges with transparent terms than to little-known projects that promise fantastic returns.

6. “Dating” and romantic scams

For people looking for a social circle, online dating can end in financial loss. Scammers create fake profiles on Tinder, Bumble, or Facebook Dating, establish emotional contact, and then ask for money for “travel,” medical exams, or to solve “non-critical” problems.

International immigrants seeking friends or romantic relationships should be wary of requests for money from new acquaintances, meet in person with several witnesses or at public events, and avoid any financial commitments until they meet in person.

7. Money transfer and technical support scams

Fraudsters call pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, or a bank technical support, saying that your computer is infected or showing suspicious activity. Under the pretext of “system recovery” or account unlocking, they ask you to set up remote access or transfer funds to a digital wallet.

Immigrants who are not used to receiving such calls from “leading Canadian corporations” should immediately end the conversation and call the official support number listed on the manufacturer's or bank's website. Never install remote access software or send money to unfamiliar accounts.

8. Scams involving fake acquaintances and false guarantees

Fraudsters call, give the name of a “familiar person” (e.g., a bank employee, tax advisor, lawyer) and report an “urgent collection” due to debt, fines, or visa problems. They play on your emotions and demand immediate transfer of funds.

To protect yourself, always call the relevant organization using their official numbers and never trust immediate requests via SMS or calls from unknown numbers.

9. How to protect yourself and verify information

First, only refer to verified sources: official government websites (Canada.ca, IRCC), well-known banks, and immigrant support organizations (CCIS, ISC). Second, before making any financial commitment — whether it's an investment or renting a home — do your own research: check the company's registration, read user reviews, consult with a lawyer or friends who have similar experience. It is equally important to keep copies of all documents and correspondence, record calls and phone numbers from which you received calls. If you have been a victim of fraud, immediately contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 and file a report. You should also report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

Conclusion

Immigrants in Canada should be especially cautious due to their incomplete understanding of local rules. The most common scams — from fake immigration agencies to pyramid schemes and phishing attacks — target people who have just arrived and are looking for housing, work, or banking services. Knowing the telltale signs of a scam and following a series of checks will help prevent you from losing your money or status. If fraud does occur, don't delay in contacting the police, your bank, or the consumer ombudsman — only prompt action can protect you and bring those responsible to justice.