VISA FRAUD PREVENTION

In order to maintain a visa process that is fair and equitable to all applicants, the Fraud Prevention Unit would like you to know the following:

Beware of Imposter or Fraudulent Websites
The Fraud Prevention Unit would like to advise the public that only internet sites including the ".gov" indicator are official U.S. government Websites. Visa applicants are advised to be cautious in all dealings with non-governmental websites & companies that claim to offer any assistance in obtaining U.S. visas.  For more information regarding Website Fraud please click here. 

Consequence of Committing Fraud
Sometimes visa applicants commit fraud in an effort to obtain a visa.  Misrepresentations can range from overstating one’s income to falsifying employment or family relationships.  Fraudulent documents include counterfeit or altered passports, counterfeit birth and marriage certificates, fraudulently obtained bank statements, made-up invitation letters, etc., and the use of someone else's valid documents as your own. 

Committing fraud is a very serious offense with grave consequences.  The Visa Unit sees many otherwise qualified applicants who wrongly believe that lying is the only way they will be able to obtain a visa.  Any person committing misrepresentation or using fraudulent documents in an attempt to obtain a visa will be found ineligible for a visa and may be subject to a lifetime visa ineligibility. 

Be truthful during the interview.  Do not accept advice to mislead the consular officer.  Misleading or lying could result in a refusal and even permanent visa ineligibility.  If you choose to present documents during your interview, make sure that they are truthful and legitimate.  Do not pay someone else to get false documents for you.  No fee paid to anyone will guarantee the issuance of a visa. 

Click here for frequently asked questions on misrepresentations. 

Help Us Fight Visa Fraud
The Fraud Prevention Unit appreciates all efforts to fight visa fraud.  By helping to reduce fraud, you are helping to make visa processing easier and more efficient for all applicants.

If you have information regarding any type of visa fraud, please contact the Fraud Prevention Unit through the following ways:

Mail: Fraud Prevention Unit
        NIV/Consular Section 
        The U.S. Embassy in Beijing
        No. 55 An Jia Lou Road ( 安家楼路 ), Beijing 100600, China
Fax: (86-10)8531-3399 
E-mail: BeijingFPU@state.gov

Note: Those willing to provide information should be assured that their information will be received with great interest and treated with great discretion.