Chandigarh: Several immigration applicants in Punjab have allegedly fallen victim to fraudsters posing as Canadian government officials and promising jobs and immigration-related assistance in exchange for money.
The scams have prompted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to issue an alert over the growing use of artificial intelligence to make fake videos, voices, emails and other content appear genuine.
According to IRCC, scammers may impersonate government officials, send phishing messages, offer fake prizes or use computer-virus and tax scams to target newcomers and immigration applicants. Those unfamiliar with Canadian government procedures can be particularly vulnerable.
IRCC has stressed that no agent or individual can guarantee a Canadian visa, permanent residence or a job. Immigration decisions are made only by authorised Canadian immigration officers.
The department also warned that its officials will not ask applicants to send money to personal bank accounts or private money-transfer services, threaten arrest or deportation over unpaid fees, or promise approval in return for extra payments or personal information. Official immigration fees are standardised and payments should be made only through government channels.
Reader’s note: Applicants should independently verify any immigration-related message through official Canadian government websites before sharing documents or transferring money. Be especially cautious of calls, videos or voice messages that appear to come from officials but demand urgent payment or promise guaranteed results.
