If you suspect the existence of a fraudulent immigration site, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and report the suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
A website can be considered suspicious or fraudulent in the following situations:
• You are asked to pay to access application forms and guides, while the Canadian government (IRCC) only charges an application processing fee. All official guides and forms are available free of charge on the IRCC website.
• The website offers special offers or unrealistic guarantees such as guaranteed entry to Canada, high-paying jobs, or expedited processing of your application.
• The site appears to be an official Canadian government site, but it is available in only one language and does not have the canada.ca URL or a ".gc.ca" address. The official website of the Canadian government is www.canada.ca
• You are required to provide personal, financial or deposit information before you even begin the application process.
• There is no padlock in the browser's address bar or "https://" at the beginning of the URL to indicate a secure site, even though it seems reliable. Always be vigilant.
• You find out about this website through a message from strangers that you did not solicit.
• You are unable to contact the website manager at the contact details provided, or no contact information is available on the website.
To avoid website scams, follow these tips:
• Do an online search to see if other people have reported problems with the site in question.
• Contact the website manager directly by phone or email before taking any action.
• Make sure your browser is up to date, as browser filters can help detect fake websites.
• Be suspicious of websites advertised in unsolicited messages from strangers.
• Do not provide any personal, financial or confidential information unless you are satisfied that the site is secure and know the legitimacy of the source.
• Read warnings, notices and conditions of use carefully before making any decision.
• If you are considering paying for a service, make sure you understand what you will get for your money before agreeing or signing anything.
• If you have reason to believe that a site is fraudulent, contact the local fraud authorities or immigration regulators in your country.
Remember that it is crucial to be vigilant online and to take precautions to protect your personal and financial information. If you have doubts about the legitimacy of a site, it is better to refrain from acting until you have carried out thorough checks