Maple News reports that a sophisticated immigration scam is targeting foreign workers eager to settle and work in Canada, particularly in Montreal. According to a recent investigation, fraudsters are operating an intricate web of fake recruitment agencies and immigration consulting firms to deceive skilled professionals, particularly from the Middle East, into paying large sums for non-existent immigration services.
These elaborate schemes begin with fake recruiters reaching out to unsuspecting candidates with seemingly legitimate job offers—often in the Canadian construction sector. The scam mimics real hiring procedures, including interviews and standard HR documentation, to build trust and credibility.
Once the “hiring” process is complete, candidates are referred to a so-called immigration consultant who continues the charade. These representatives, whose identities and credentials are typically cloned from real licensed consultants, then request payment to supposedly process immigration applications.
The fraud is particularly convincing because the scammers create professional-looking websites, use names of real Canadian companies and immigration consultants, and claim affiliations with Canadian government agencies.
Many victims are well-educated professionals who, desperate for opportunities abroad, fall prey to this well-orchestrated deception. Some even send thousands of dollars before realizing they’ve been scammed.
Canadian authorities have long cautioned potential immigrants about such fraudulent activities. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to invest millions in public awareness campaigns and enforcement strategies to combat fake immigration representatives.
To protect themselves, newcomers are strongly advised to verify the credentials of any individual or agency offering immigration services. Officials recommend asking a simple yet critical question: “Is this person a licensed immigration representative in Canada?” Only consultants registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), lawyers in good standing with a provincial law society, or Québec notaries are authorized to represent clients in immigration matters.
As Canada continues to welcome immigrants to address its labor shortages and aging population, ensuring transparency and integrity in the immigration system remains essential. Maple News will continue to monitor developments and provide trusted updates on immigration safety.