Author:Beware of Ghost Consultants: Protect Yourself from Immigration Fraud
Canada is a land of opportunity, and for many, immigrating to Canada represents a fresh start and a brighter future. Unfortunately, the dream of a better life is being exploited by fraudulent immigration consultants, commonly known as ‘ghost consultants who operate without licenses, taking advantage of innocent people in desperate situations.
Who Are Ghost Consultants?
Ghost consultants are unlicensed individuals or agencies, they are frequently based outside Canada in areas with less robust legal oversight for fraud, who promise to secure Canadian visas, work permits, or permanent residency—usually with guarantees that sound too good to be true. They charge exorbitant fees, fabricate documents, and submit fraudulent applications that ultimately lead to rejection or even bans from entering Canada. Because they operate outside the legal framework, victims often have no recourse when things go wrong.
They also are sometimes based inside Canada and pretend to be legitimate consultants with Canadian phone numbers and addresses.
How to Spot a Ghost Consultant
To protect yourself and your loved ones, be on the lookout for these red flags:
- No RCIC or Lawyer Credentials – Only authorized representatives, such as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or immigration lawyers, are legally permitted to represent you in Canadian immigration matters. Always verify credentials on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) website.
- Guaranteed Visa Approval – No one can guarantee a visa or permanent residency. Immigration is a legal process, and each case is assessed individually by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Requests for Cash-Only Payments – Ghost consultants often demand large sums of money in cash or via untraceable methods like Western Union or cryptocurrency. Legitimate professionals provide official invoices and accept secure payment methods.
- Fake or Altered Documents – Beware of anyone advising you to submit false information or fraudulent documents. This can result in bans from Canada and serious legal consequences.
- Unclear Contracts or No Written Agreement – Legitimate immigration professionals provide clear, detailed contracts outlining the services they will provide, their fees, and your responsibilities as a client.
- Operating Without Transparency – If a consultant avoids answering questions about their qualifications, office location, or past cases, they are likely a fraudster.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Your Consultant’s Credentials – Use the official CICC website to confirm if an RCIC is in good standing. If they claim to be an immigration lawyer, check with the relevant provincial law society.
- Request an In person or Video Consultation – You can almost always protect yourself from a fake lawyer or consultant by ensuring you have a consultation with them over video to confirm they match the appearance of who they say they are.
- Request a Written Agreement – Always get a contract that outlines the services, fees, and refund policies.
- Do Your Own Research – Contact the company directly to ensure that the person who claims to be a consultant is really working for them.
- Report Fraudulent Activity – If you suspect you’ve encountered a ghost consultant, report them to the CICC or local authorities to prevent others from falling victim.
Work with a Trusted Immigration Consultant
Doherty Fultz Immigration is a registered Canadian immigration consultancy firm with licensed RCIC professionals who provide honest, transparent, and legal services. If you are considering immigrating to Canada, don’t fall prey to fraudsters. Contact us today for expert guidance and a legitimate pathway to your new life in Canada.
Protect yourself. Protect your future. Choose wisely.
