MIAMI.- The US Department of State’s Office of Visa Services issued a alert Given the increase in cases of fraud made by unscrupulous people with the program visa lottery. Fraudsters are demanding payments, a statement reveals.
The Department of State reported a noticeable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to applicants for the Diversity Visa (DV) program, popularly known as the visa lottery.
Scammers who send fraudulent emails and letters pose as the United States government in an attempt to extort money from visa lottery applicants. The federal agency recommended that applicants be informed about what is happening about scams provided by the Federal Trade Commission.
“Applicants are encouraged to review the visa lottery program rules and procedures to learn what to expect, when to expect it, and from whom.”
The State Department said applicants may receive an email from the US government reminding them to verify their status online as a visa lottery participant, but they will not receive a notification letter or email informing them that they have been selected or benefited. with the visa lottery.
Applicants will be able to find out if they have been awarded with the visa lottery program only online. They must verify their status electronically through the website: https://dvprogram.state.gov.
“Finally, remember that the fees for the DV application process or visa lottery, are paid directly at the Embassy or Consulate of the United States, at the time of your scheduled appointment. The United States government will never ask you to send an advance payment by check, money order, or wire transfer,” the government statement states.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Cuba issued a notice through the social network X, formerly Twitter, to alert beneficiaries not to fall for scams.
“Be aware of frauds that include payment requests. Do not be a victim of scam or deception! The Diversity Visa program does not notify you by email, nor does it request any payment before the consular interview. Do not expose your personal information, or fill out forms that seem insecure to you. Your identity security is a priority.”
The 1990 Immigration Act established the Diversity Visa (DV) program, which makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available each year through random selection. The program allows citizens of countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to apply and have the opportunity to apply for an immigrant visa.
FOUNTAIN: DLA WRITING
