Scams That Target Immigrants and Busy Neighbors

Scams we keep seeing in our communities

Scammers study fear. They call at bad moments, speak urgently, and ask for money now. Your best defense is slowing the conversation down.

Classic patterns

• Fake officials: Someone claims to be police/immigration and demands gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers to “avoid arrest.” Real agencies do not collect fines that way.
• Guaranteed paperwork: A stranger promises a visa or work permit for cash today.
• Rental / job deposits: You must send money before seeing a unit or meeting a real employer.
• Romance / courier tricks: “I'm stuck overseas — just hold this package / send this fee.”

What to do instead

• Hang up. Look up the agency or company on their official website and call that number.
• Never pay with gift cards. Ever.
• Ask a trusted friend to listen to the voicemail with you — scams sound more obvious with a witness.
• If you already sent money, contact your bank or card issuer quickly and file a report with local police and, where appropriate, the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov).

Helping elders and new arrivals

Sit with relatives when they get scary calls. Write a one-line script on a sticky note near the phone: “We don't pay over the phone. We will call you back.”

Shame keeps people quiet after a scam. Skip the lecture; help them lock accounts and warn others.