The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a fraud alert to warn the public about a scam using the DHS OIG hotline telephone number. Scammers have identified themselves as “U.S. Immigration” employees and have altered their caller ID to seem like the call is coming from the DHS OIG hotline (1-800-323-8603).
They then demand that the individual provide or verify personally identifiable information, often by telling individuals that they are victims of identity theft.
If a scammer calls you demanding personal information or payment, hang up immediately. If you want to verify whether a call is from USCIS, you may:
- Call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 to ask if you need to do anything about your case or immigration status,
- Make an InfoPass appointment at http://infopass.uscis.gov, or
- Use myUSCIS to find up-to-date information about your application.
USCIS officials will never threaten you or ask for payment over the phone or in an email. If a payment is needed, a letter will be sent on official stationery requesting payment. Do not give payment over the phone to anyone who claims to be a USCIS official.
How to Report a Call from a Scammer
If you receive a scam email or phone call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission here. If you are not sure if it is a scam, forward the suspicious email to the USCIS webmaster . USCIS will review the emails received and share with law enforcement agencies as appropriate. Visit the Avoid Scams Initiative at www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams for more information on common scams and other important tips.