Beware
this scam
Tier 2 migrants!

28 August 2015

It has come to light that foreign nationals in the UK are becoming the targets of an ongoing scam which focusses on the migrant’s immigration status.

What does the scam involve?

The scam involves the targeted migrant in the UK receiving a phone call from an individual posing as a Home Office official, and usually involves the migrant being threatened with deportation unless a payment is made.

It has been widely reported that many of these callers state they are investigating claims that the targeted migrant’s immigration status is illegal and that the payment is necessary in preventing their immediate deportation whilst this ‘investigation’ takes place.

The calls are easily misinterpreted as genuine by unsuspecting migrants as the caller is often in possession of the migrant’s personal details such as their passport number, mobile phone number, visa numbers and other private data.

Who is being targeted?

Foreign nationals and their dependant family members in the UK are all in danger of being targeted. It appears that Tier 2 migrants are the current focus of the scam but it could apply to all visa types.

Businesses employing foreign migrants should also be aware that scammers may be in possession of their expatriate employees’ personal data and as such, they in turn may be targeted.

What to do if you are targeted

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Home Office and demanding payment, you should NOT adhere to these demands and instead report the incident to the police and Home Office immediately.

UK Visa holders should note that the Home Office will never ask for payments over the phone

Please contact Smith Stone Walters or your legal representative if you are suspicious of any communication you receive regarding your immigration status.

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