This article was last updated on October 26, 2026

Summary

Fraudulent scams targeting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants are happening more. These scams seem real and can trick people, especially when they are in vulnerable situations. These scams may appear to offer jobs, resettlement, financial assistance, or legal status, but their real goal is often to steal money, personal data, or documents. This article explores common scam tactics and how you can protect yourself. 

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) urges everyone to be cautious, ask questions, and verify before acting. 

Common fraud tactics:

The following situations are a few examples of scams we have been alerted about. Other types of scams likely exist as well. We provide these examples to give you an idea of the types of fraud tactics you may encounter.

1. Fake Travel and Resettlement Offers

Examples:

• A widely shared message claims that two cruise ships are waiting to take 20,000 refugees from Libya to Europe, organized by a UN agency. This is false.
• Messages promise spots on a “relocation flight” to another country, but ask for registration fees or passport photos. This is a scam.
• Promises to resettle you through programs that are no longer active, like private sponsorship in the United States. Private sponsorship programs to the United States are currently closed.

2. False Promises of Cash Assistance

Examples:

• WhatsApp messages circulating in Lebanon and Libya promise 1,300 LYD or 150 USD in cash if you click a link and enter your personal details. These are fake.
• Fake websites ask you to “confirm your eligibility” for aid by uploading your ID and bank details. No legitimate agency will do this.

3. Pretending to be Non-Governmental Organizations or United Nation Agencies

Examples:

• Scammers use the names, logos, or photos of real aid organizations on fake Facebook pages, TikTok accounts, or WhatsApp groups to spread lies. 
• Some scammers claim to be employees of humanitarian agencies and promise help in exchange for payment.

4. Employment and Visa Scams

Examples:

• People may receive a message offering a job or a visa in a European country, but then they get asked to send money first. Once paid, the contact disappears.
• Fake “recruitment agents” promise legal work permits if people sign up through a private link. These are not real.

How to protect yourself:

• Do not trust any offer that requires payment for humanitarian services—these services are always free.  Learn more about IRAP’s free services here. 
• Do not share personal data or documents (like ID, passport, UNHCR certificate) with anyone unless you are sure they represent a registered and trustworthy organization.
• Always check the source: Look for official websites, verified contact information, official email addresses, and face-to-face confirmation through known service providers.
  • Only trust websites that start with https:// and end in .org or from recognized aid providers. Look for these examples:
    • refugeerights.org
    • iom.int 
    • https://help.unhcr.org/lebanon/en/ 
• Be cautious with forwarded messages, especially those shared on WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, or TikTok.
• Do not click unknown links—they can steal your information or install harmful software on your phone.

What you can do if you’re unsure or suspect a scam:

• Pause and double check. Reach out to a trusted legal aid provider or humanitarian organization before taking any action.
• Ask questions. If someone offering help gets angry or rushes you, it’s likely a scam.
• Report suspicious activity to protect others. Most organizations have reporting systems and can take action. 
  • If you believe that you were contacted by a person who claims to be IRAP staff but is not IRAP staff, please email fraudalert@refugeerights.org. This email address will only be used to receive reports of fraud. IRAP will not use this email address to consider requests for legal help.

Asking for help

You or your relative may want to ask an immigration attorney for help with this process. Here are a few resources:

Help from IRAP

• Information about asking for help from IRAP is here.
• If you are in Jordan, you can ask for IRAP Jordan’s help using this form. If the form is closed, you can check back at a later date.

Help from other organizations

• A list of free immigration legal service providers in the United States is available here. These attorneys are not affiliated with IRAP.
• A list of private immigration attorneys in the United States is available here. Please note that private immigration attorneys may charge a fee for their services. These attorneys are not affiliated with IRAP.