Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure full of opportunities. But it also means getting to know a place that may still feel unfamiliar. Unfortunately, scams are common鈥攅specially in large cities. Expats who don't yet speak the local language or understand how things work can be easy targets. To help you avoid problems and settle in smoothly, here are some key insights into the most common types of scams you must beware of.
Fake visas, real scams
The scam is straightforward: an agency offers to act as a middleman between you and immigration services to speed up your visa process. Scammers prey on two things鈥攜our stress (because the stakes are high) and the limited options available, especially in popular expat destinations. Countries like the United States and Canada regularly issue warnings about these intermediaries. U.S. authorities, for example, recently used the Green Card lottery as a reminder that the process is entirely free. Still, scammers promise faster results鈥攁nd even guarantee a Green Card鈥攆or a fee. The only documents you'll get from them are fake.
How to protect yourself
Always apply through your host country's official immigration website. Double-check website URLs. Never send personal or sensitive information to an 鈥渋ntermediary.鈥� If you need help, turn to free resources like nonprofits or city services. Learn the correct process and required documents. Only make payments online if you're sure you're on the official site. Report any scam attempts to the proper authorities.
Phone scams
Fake bank advisors, fake health insurance agents, fake tax officers鈥攕cammers are getting bolder, using calls, emails, and texts to trick people. A growing trend targets expats with calls from fake immigration officers. These fraudsters exploit new immigration rules in major countries to scare foreign residents. Their tactic? Claim you've violated immigration laws and threaten to cancel your visa. The only way to 鈥渇ix鈥� it? Pay鈥攊mmediately.
Caught off guard and in panic, many expats comply鈥攐nly to later discover the scammers were impersonating official agencies. Often, these fraudsters already have your personal data: your name, address, and banking info. The phone call is just the final step in their plan to empty your account or charge you for a fake service.
How to protect yourself
Phone scams are on the rise, especially with AI, making it easier to fake caller IDs, imitate institutions, or even clone someone's voice. No matter your expat status鈥攕tudent, professional, or retiree鈥攏ever give in to pressure from anyone claiming your immigration status is at risk or that your file is incomplete.
Don't pay through a 鈥渟ecure portal鈥� just because someone tells you to. Go straight to your immigration office, bank, or insurer instead. Never make payments online without verifying the source. And always report scam attempts to local authorities.
Employment scams
Just received an unexpected job offer? It might sound like great news鈥攂ut proceed with caution. Scammers are adapting fast. The rise of digital nomadism has brought with it a wave of job scams. Here's how it often works: you believe you're applying for a job with a company that will 鈥渟ponsor鈥� your visa. You imagine living in your dream country while working remotely for an international employer. But here's the catch鈥攜ou're asked to pay a fee to process your application. That 鈥渞eady-to-go鈥� digital nomad visa never shows up. Because the company never existed.
Another common trap involves fake employment promises. Scammers know how difficult it is to secure a work permit, especially with immigration restrictions tightening in many top expat destinations. They pose as recruiters or employers, offer you a job, and claim they'll handle all the paperwork. You pay 鈥減rocessing fees鈥� and wait for a visa that never comes.
How to protect yourself
Start by researching the company. Check their website, read their policies, and verify the identity of the HR person contacting you. Carefully review any job offer or contract and confirm whether the employer genuinely supports visa applications.
Most importantly, keep in mind that a legitimate company will never ask you to pay for a contract or visa. Always look up the immigration rules for your target country. Use websites like Glassdoor to check the company's reputation. Even if a company isn't trying to scam you, it may still fall short on promises around visa help, working conditions, or paid leave.
Useless health insurance
Some visas are only granted once you've signed up for health insurance. Even when it's not mandatory, having health coverage is strongly recommended. But watch out for scams. One of the most common tricks is getting you to sign up for a policy that doesn't fully protect you. Technically, you're insured鈥攂ut not for medical expenses abroad. And that's exactly what you need coverage for.
How to protect yourself
Never sign anything you don't fully understand. Take time to learn how the healthcare system works in your host country鈥攚ho runs public healthcare? Ask other expats what international health insurance providers they trust. Compare several plans. And be wary of anything that seems too good to be true. A policy that promises full coverage overseas for a suspiciously low price is probably a scam.
Housing scams
Housing scams are widespread among new expats. Finding a place to live in a big city can be challenging鈥攚ith high prices and strict rental terms, the risk of fraud is real. Never trust a lease if you haven't directly contacted the property owner. One of the most frequent scams is a message from a so-called 鈥渓andlord鈥� living abroad who asks for a deposit upfront.
How to protect yourself
Never send money before signing a proper lease, even if you've visited the property. If the lease is in a language you don't fully understand, ask someone you trust to help you review the terms. You can also check with your employer鈥攎any offer support for rental issues. And if you're asked to pay fees you never agreed to when your lease ends, don't hesitate to seek legal advice.
Fake charities
Charities and donations are a meaningful way to give back and support those in need. But not every organization is legitimate. When donating abroad, it's important to stay cautious.
How to protect yourself
If you want to donate in your host country, go through a well-known, reputable organization. Take the time to research how the charity operates and where the money goes. Be wary of street fundraisers鈥攕ome may not be who they claim to be. It's good to be generous, but it's even better to give wisely.
Free Wi-Fi scams
Free Wi-Fi is a lifesaver when you need to stay connected on the go鈥攅specially if you've just arrived in a new country and don't have internet access yet. But while public networks can be convenient, they're not always safe. If the connection isn't secure, the person who set it up could easily access your data鈥攊ncluding your banking information and apps on your phone. Online scams are common around the world. To protect yourself, you need to stay alert and cautious whenever you go online in public.
Phishing emails, SMS, and calls
Phishing scams鈥攚hether by email, text, or phone鈥攎ight seem easy to spot, especially when they land in your spam folder. But they're becoming more convincing.
First, be cautious with emails that ask for personal details, passwords, or money transfers. Second, be skeptical of texts鈥攅ven those that look official鈥攁bout packages you supposedly received, especially if you don't recall ordering anything. Avoid clicking links or sharing sensitive information.
Finally, beware of urgent phone calls about visa or administrative issues. Unless the caller is from a source you trust, don't share any documents.
Ponzi schemes, investments, unknown banks
A Ponzi scheme is a pyramid scam. The fraudster promises big returns and invites you to info sessions or paid 鈥渢raining,鈥� where you meet charismatic salespeople who claim they 鈥渟tarted just like you.鈥� At first, you might see a bit of money come in鈥攂ut you quickly lose it all. These schemes only pay those at the top. The money you 鈥渆arn鈥� comes from new victims, not real profits. In short, you're funding the people above you鈥攚ith no actual return on investment.
In times of economic uncertainty, other scams pop up, too: fake (and costly) courses that promise to make you a bestselling author or passive income expert in just a few clicks or fake companies offering to pay you 鈥渏ust鈥� to use your address.
How to protect yourself
Do your homework before signing up for anything. Always ask for advice before investing money. It's essential to understand the risks and fine print of any investment. Be cautious of anyone promising easy money or instant loans. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Fake free subscriptions
Free subscriptions can seem like a great deal鈥攚hether it's for newsletters or online services. But always keep an eye on what you're signing up for. If you no longer need the service, cancel it promptly. Some platforms that claim to be 鈥渇ree鈥� start charging automatically after a trial period. In some cases, they might even threaten legal action if you don't pay once the trial ends. To avoid unwanted charges, always read the terms and conditions carefully鈥攁nd cancel on time.
Cult recruitment
The search for meaning, a fresh start, or a sense of belonging can make people more vulnerable鈥攁nd cults know it. These groups target people from all walks of life. Foreigners, unfamiliar with their host country's culture or social landscape, are especially at risk. For example, some groups approach international students or struggling expats, offering support. It might start with a friendly phone call鈥攂e cautious of unknown numbers. They may offer help with paperwork, finding a job, or emotional support. At first, the assistance feels genuine. But it soon turns into a trap.
Living abroad isn't always easy. Loneliness can make anyone vulnerable. These groups exploit that, using subtle manipulation to push their ideology鈥攁nd eventually scam you, often by pressuring you to donate money or work for free. Many pose as religious organizations鈥攂ut they are not.
How to protect yourself
Legitimate religious organizations are typically state-recognized and part of established national or international networks. If you follow a religion, speak to leaders in your community before moving abroad鈥攖hey can direct you to trusted institutions. Real religious groups don't pressure you to donate or take part in unpaid labor. Their work is based on volunteering. You're free to support them鈥攐r not. You're also free to join or leave without consequence.If you ever feel pressured, walk away. Cut contact immediately, especially if you're being asked for personal information against your will. Always report suspicious behavior to the authorities. If you're a student, inform your university鈥攖hey can offer support. If you're employed, speak to your coworkers. Cults often try to isolate their targets, so don't keep concerns to yourself. Talk to locals and fellow expats. It's one of the best ways to stay grounded鈥攁nd avoid manipulation.
Sources:
