USCIS Scam Alert: Bizarre Fake Letter Raises Concerns

A chilling wave of concern is spreading among immigrants after a Reddit user shared details of a sophisticated scam involving a counterfeit letter purportedly from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fraudulent document, which lacked official branding and used unprofessional language, directed the recipient to attend an appointment and bring sensitive original documents, raising immediate red flags for potential identity theft or worse.

How Can You Verify the Authenticity of a USCIS Letter?

The first and most critical step is to check your official USCIS online account. All legitimate correspondence, including appointment notices and Requests for Evidence (RFE), are uploaded to your case file digitally. If a physical letter you receive in the mail is not also visible in your online account’s documents tab, it is highly likely a forgery. In the recent case, the recipient confirmed that their online portal showed no record of the scheduled appointment, which was the definitive proof they needed to identify the scam.

Other verification methods include calling the official USCIS customer service line. Be sure to get the number directly from the official USCIS.gov website to avoid fake numbers listed on the fraudulent letter itself. Do not use any contact information provided on the suspicious document. Furthermore, if you have legal representation, your attorney can directly contact the relevant USCIS office or the Immigration Officer handling your case to confirm the appointment’s legitimacy.

Identifying the Red Flags in Fraudulent Notices

The fake letter shared online contained several tell-tale signs of a scam. Immigration experts and community members quickly pointed out its lack of the official USCIS letterhead and standard government formatting. The wording was also a significant giveaway; it used unprofessional, grade-school language that is not typical of formal government communications. Phrases like “come to the office below” are a major red flag. While the letter did contain some accurate information, such as a legitimate USCIS office address and the recipient’s correct receipt number—details likely gleaned from previous, legitimate filings—the overall presentation was unconvincing and alarming.

The Disturbing Potential Motives Behind the Scam

The purpose of such elaborate scams can vary. The most common goal is identity theft, where scammers trick individuals into surrendering priceless original documents like passports, birth certificates, and marriage licenses. With these, criminals can commit extensive fraud. A more sinister possibility, as suggested by commentators familiar with enforcement tactics, is that the letter could be a ploy by unauthorized individuals or even a ruse to prompt an unsuspecting person to show up at a location for a negative encounter. This highlights why extreme caution is necessary.

The most important rule is this: USCIS will never contact you exclusively through a physical letter without a corresponding update in your online account. Any demand for original documents outside of a verified, in-person interview at a confirmed USCIS field office should be treated as highly suspicious until proven otherwise.

Must Know

What does a real USCIS letter look like?
A genuine USCIS notice features official agency letterhead, a clear and professional format, and specific reference numbers related to your case. It will always be available as a digital copy within your USCIS online account.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious immigration letter?
Do not respond or send any documents. Immediately check your official USCIS online account. If the notice is not there, contact USCIS customer service using the number on their official website and report the fraudulent letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Will USCIS contact me via social media?
No. USCIS explicitly states it will not contact you through personal social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. All official communication comes through mail to your address of record and your online account.

Why would a scammer have my correct receipt number?
Scammers often obtain personal details through data breaches or by intercepting less secure mail. Having a piece of your correct information is a tactic to make their fraudulent communication appear more legitimate and lower your guard.

Is it safe to go to the appointment if I’m unsure?
Absolutely not. Do not attend the appointment. Instead, verify the notice’s authenticity through the official channels first. If you must confirm in person, have a U.S. citizen spouse or your attorney go to the field office to inquire on your behalf without you present.