Introduction
Every year, countless Africans fall victim to immigration scams perpetrated not only by strangers, but often by fellow Africans who have acquired U.S. citizenship. These scammers exploit cultural trust, economic desperation, and misinformation to offer fake marriages, jobs, sponsorships, and visa help — all in exchange for money.
Many victims are afraid to speak up, fearing deportation, shame, or retaliation. This guide is for you. If you’ve been scammed or know someone who has, you can take action — legally, safely, and confidentially.
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What Does Immigration Fraud Look Like?
Common scams by naturalized U.S. citizens include:
• Fake Green Card Marriages: U.S. citizen promises to marry the African victim to help them migrate but never follows through.
• Visa or Job Sponsorship Scams: Claims they can help you “enter the U.S.” in exchange for payment.
• Fiancé(e) Visa Misuse: Pretends to be in love, files papers, collects money, then disappears.
• Asylum and Refugee Scheme: Promises false help or advice for asylum claims or resettlement.
If any of this sounds familiar — it’s fraud.
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What You Should Do: Gather and Document Evidence
Before reporting, organize and store any of the following:
• Screenshots of WhatsApp, Facebook, or email conversations
• Copies of marriage agreements or documents (fake or genuine)
• Proof of money transfers (bank, mobile money, Western Union)
• Photos or videos of the person promising help
• Phone numbers, U.S. address, email, social media profile links
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Where to Report Immigration Fraud (From Africa)
1. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
• What they handle: Marriage fraud, visa scams, immigration benefit fraud
• How to report:
• Online Tip Form: Submit a tip to ICE
• Confidential and anonymous submission is allowed
• You can upload supporting files or explain your situation
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2. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• What they handle: Green card marriage fraud, asylum fraud, misuse of U.S. immigration benefits
• How to report:
• Fraud Reporting Site: USCIS Report Fraud
• You may also write a letter or email to the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) if you have a case number
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3. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Your Country
• Embassies have Fraud Prevention Units that investigate immigration fraud.
• Example – U.S. Embassy in Cameroon:
• Email: YaoundeFPU@state.gov
• Website: https://cm.usembassy.gov
• Phone: +237 22220 1500 (ask for Consular Section)
If you’re in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, or elsewhere — go to https://www.usembassy.gov/ to find your local U.S. embassy contact.
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4. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Report Money Fraud and Online Scams
• Who should report: If you’ve sent money for a scam (PayPal, Western Union, crypto)
• Where to file: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
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5. Human Trafficking or Forced Marriage (If applicable)
If the situation involved force, threats, or manipulation for sex or labor, it may qualify as human trafficking:
• U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7):
• Phone: +1-888-373-7888 (You can call from abroad using online calling)
• Website: https://humantraffickinghotline.org
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Will You Be Arrested or Deported If You Report?
No. Reporting someone who scammed you does not make you guilty of anything. In fact, by reporting, you may protect others and help law enforcement stop international fraud.
• You do NOT need a U.S. visa to file a complaint.
• Reports can be anonymous.
• No legal harm will come to you for being a victim.
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How SpeakOX Supports You
At SpeakOX, we believe knowledge is power. We offer:
• Confidential chatrooms to share your story
• Help with writing or submitting reports
• Guidance on where to go for legal aid
• Publishing stories to raise awareness (anonymously if preferred)
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Conclusion: You Are Not Alone
Fraudsters often rely on your silence. By standing up, reporting, and educating others — you become a protector of your community. Whether you’re from Douala, Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra — your voice can make a difference.
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Need Help Writing a Report? Message SpeakOX.
We’ll guide you, review your evidence, and help you write the complaint.
Send direct message to admin on https://speakox.com/send_message
Post ur story anonymously on https://speakox.com/create_story
Speak up. Expose the scam. Save the next person.
Because dreams should not be used to trap the hopeful.