“Ghost Consultants” Scamming Canadian Immigrants

By Travis P June 23, 2017 2 min. read

Immigration Scams

Thousands of people are pulled into Canadian immigration scams every year, don’t let that person be you. Many people will be contacted about an immigration service and promised a visa or a job in Canada. If a company’s offer sounds too good to be true, it may be too good to be true. Many of these scams end up with no one returning a phone call or emails. These scammers will “ghost” their clients; they will disappear without a trace. Unfortunately, many times it’s already too late because the customer has shared their personal and financial information.

How to Spot a Scam

Hard working individuals will hand over their hard earned money to people who claim they can give them a better life but many times these people aren’t even Canadian Permanent Residents! Here are some tips on how to spot an immigration scam:

Protect Yourself From Scams

Although there are many credible, true Canadian Immigration law firms, there are also many immigration scams. Many bogus immigration practitioners prey on those who are desperate to work or live in Canada. A person or a company who has offered unauthorized/unregistered/unregulated immigration consultants are known as “ghost consultants”. Ghost consulting is an illegal practice and must be reported to the Canadian government when someone comes in contact with these fake lawyers. Do not let scammers trick you into believing that you can just walk into Canada. There are many requirements in order to immigrate to Canada. To enter Canada as a permanent resident from another country, applicants are expected to:

  1. Speak English or French adequately
  2. Be sponsored by an employer or close family member
  3. Have sufficient money to be economically independent
  4. Not possess a criminal record
  5. Possess skills in a field which lacks skilled workers

Although there are some exceptions to these requirements, these are typically what is expected for someone wanting to immigrate to Canada.

Anti-Fraud Immigration Hotline

If you or someone you know have been a target of a telephone, the internet, email or another type of immigration scam:

Contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-88-495-8501 or email: cd-pd@iccrc-crcic.ca.

If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to the USCIS Webmaster email box.

Have you witnessed immigration scams?

Report it to the Federal Trade Commission by calling 877-FTC-HELP, or you can file a complaint online; and

Report it to your local or state authorities.

Do you want to immigrate to Canada?

Fill out our FREE online immigration assessment, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.