IRCC on scams, “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is”

Canada remains one of the most sought-after countries for immigration.

With an accommodating stance towards all migrants – regardless of whether they come to Canada on a temporary basis or for settling down permanently – Canada also places much importance on the need to inform and educate all about its immigration policies and procedures.

A lot of information can be found online as part of Corporate Information provided by the Government of Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC]. Their official website offers a wide range of downloadable content such as the official study guide for the Canadian citizenship test, what a migrant can expect in their first few weeks in Canada, and guidance for IRCC and Canada Border Services Agency [CBSA] employees.

There are various other publications as well like Annual Reports, Fee Reports, Departmental Plans, and Financial Statements.

Similarly, there is a lot of material on the prevention of fraud that a newcomer to Canada might fall victim to.

In “What kinds of frauds should newcomers to Canada watch out for?”, IRCC mentions frauds such as –

• People posing as Government of Canada staff
• Fake emails
• Fake computer virus
• Fake prizes

The above-mentioned are the 4 common scams targeted at newcomers to Canada.

Scammers usually take advantage of the fact that newcomers to Canada generally tend to be unaware of the manner of working of the companies as well as the government.

For any person in Canada, whether temporarily or permanently, knowing their rights is quite important.

According to IRCC, in terms of Canada immigration, due caution should always be exercised as “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is”.

Placing much importance on “detecting, avoiding and reporting immigration scams”, IRCC admits that “there are people out there who try to take advantage of immigration and citizenship applicants”.

IRCC warns that “falling for fraud can have disastrous results” such as the applicant having their application denied, losing money, or even being barred from entering Canada.

Other results of Canada immigration scams, as per IRCC, can be computer viruses being remotely installed on the applicant’s computer, money stolen from a credit card or bank account, or theft of the applicant’s identity.

IRCC categorically states, “Always keep in mind Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is committed to detecting and combating fraud, and to protecting potential immigrants and Canadians alike from falling victim to scams.”

Always report a suspected scam if you, or someone that you might be knowing, has either recently gone through or is currently going through the process of Canada immigration and a scam is suspected.

Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at their toll-free number 1-888-495-8501.

If outside of Canada, report the scam to your local police.

If you are looking to Migrate, Study, Invest, Visit, or Work Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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