AI Immigration Scam Targets Punjab Applicants as Canada Warns Newcomersਏਆਈ ਇਮੀਗ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਨ ਘੁਟਾਲਾ: ਕੈਨੇਡਾ ਦੀ ਚੇਤਾਵਨੀ, ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਅਰਜ਼ੀਕਰਤਾਵਾਂ ਲਈ ਖ਼ਤਰਾ

Chandigarh: Canada's immigration department has warned newcomers and visa applicants about a new wave of sophisticated scams in which fraudsters use artificial intelligence to impersonate officials, even as reports from Punjab say several applicants have allegedly been duped by such schemes.

According to reports published on October 6, fraudsters pose as officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — contacting potential victims through phone calls, social media and messaging apps, and using AI-generated videos, cloned voices and doctored documents to make their stories convincing. Applicants are promised faster processing, guaranteed approvals or special access to immigration programs in exchange for money or sensitive personal documents.

How the scam works

The reported pattern follows a familiar playbook made more dangerous by AI tools. Fraudsters present themselves as genuine immigration officials or representatives, build credibility with professionally produced messages and fake identities, and then press the victim to share personal information or transfer money on the promise of a faster or guaranteed outcome. Once payments are made or documents shared, the fraudsters disappear — or keep demanding more.

Punjab applicants in the crosshairs

Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for students, skilled workers and families from Punjab, and immigration-related fraud has become a persistent concern for people seeking visas, work permits and permanent residency. Reports from the Punjabi press say several applicants have fallen for the latest wave of scams, with fraudsters allegedly using digitally manipulated identities and AI-generated material to establish credibility.

What IRCC says

In its warning, IRCC has told applicants and newcomers to check details independently before making any payment. The department says it will never contact people over the telephone to collect fees, be aggressive or threaten arrest or deportation, or ask for payment through personal bank accounts, gift cards or money-transfer services.

Applicants who receive suspicious communication are advised to hang up, verify through IRCC's official call centre or their own secure online account, and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and local police.

How can I verify a message claiming to be from IRCC?

Treat unexpected contact with caution. IRCC says it will never threaten to deport you or demand money over the phone — hang up, then confirm through the department's official call centre or your own secure IRCC account.

Can anyone guarantee a Canadian visa or job?

No. Visa decisions are made by Canadian immigration officers, and IRCC says no agent or person can guarantee approval. Promises of guaranteed visas in exchange for money are a classic red flag.

What should I do if I already paid a scammer?

Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and your local police, keep all messages and receipts, and consult a qualified immigration professional — and do not send any further payments.