Planning to move to Canada? IRCC warns of AI scams that look like real government messages
PTC Web Desk: Canada’s immigration department has issued a warning to newcomers and people applying for visas or other immigration services, saying fraudsters are using more advanced methods to trick applicants.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create fake videos, voices and other material that can look like genuine government communication.
The warning comes after complaints from some people in Punjab who were allegedly targeted by fraudsters claiming to be immigration officials. In some cases, the scammers reportedly offered guaranteed jobs in Canada in return for money.
Fake officials and job offers
In its advisory, IRCC asked newcomers and immigration applicants to be careful when receiving unexpected calls, messages, emails or offers related to immigration.
Scammers may pretend to work for the Canadian government and use fake documents, websites or digital content to gain the trust of applicants. IRCC said newcomers can be easier targets because they may not yet be familiar with Canadian government procedures or the way official agencies communicate.
The department has advised people to check immigration-related information only through official government sources and to report suspected fraud.
Common scams targeting newcomers
According to IRCC, some of the scams commonly used against immigrants and newcomers include people pretending to be Government of Canada officials, fake emails and text messages designed to steal personal information, messages claiming that a computer has a virus and demanding payment, fake lottery, prize or contest offers, fraudulent tax-related messages and calls and fake job offers linked to immigration or work permits.
The department stressed that no consultant, agent or other individual can guarantee a Canadian visa, job, permanent residence or any other immigration decision.
Only Canadian immigration officers can approve visas
IRCC also reminded applicants that visa decisions are made only by authorised immigration officers in Canada or at Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates. The department said immigration processing fees are standardised globally. Applicants should make payments only through official Canadian government payment systems.
Anyone asking for money to be deposited into a personal bank account or transferred through a private money-transfer service should be treated with suspicion, IRCC said.
Warning signs applicants should watch for
IRCC said its employees will not ask applicants to pay money into a personal account or use private money-transfer services.
Officials also will not threaten applicants with arrest or deportation simply because they have not paid an alleged fee. They will not offer special immigration deals or promise a positive decision in return for extra money or personal information.
Another warning sign is the use of free email accounts. IRCC said its officials do not use services such as Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo Mail to communicate with immigration applicants.
With AI making fake videos, voices and messages increasingly convincing, IRCC has urged newcomers to slow down, verify information independently and avoid making payments based only on messages or calls that appear to come from government officials.
- PTC NEWS
