The CIS Ombudsman's Office is issuing a public warning about a scam using the CIS Ombudsman's telephone numbers. Scammers have identified themselves as “U.S. Immigration” employees and have altered their caller ID to seem like the call is coming from the CIS Ombudsman's Office (1-855-882-8100 and 202-357-8100). They then demand that the individual provide or verify personally identifiable information, often by telling individuals that they are victims of identity theft. Please do not give any information to these callers. They are perpetrating a scam and are not a part of the CIS Ombudsman's Office.
If a Scammer Calls You
If you receive a call demanding personal information or payment, hang up immediately. If you want to verify whether a call is from the CIS Ombudsman's Office, you may call our office at 1-855-882-8100 (toll-free) or 202-357-8100 (local).
Remember, CIS Ombudsman officials will never threaten you or ask for personally identifiable information. In general, we encourage you to protect your personal information and not to provide details about your immigration application in any public area. If we need information from you about a case, we will contact you using an official DHS email account or using DHS letterhead. At any time, you may request to call the CIS Ombudsman official back in order to verify that he or she is calling you from an official DHS office.
How to Report a Call from a Scammer
If you received a scam email or phone call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. If you are not sure it is a scam, contact the CIS Ombudsman's Office and someone will be able to assist you.
Please visit these websites for additional information from other protection and enforcement offices.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Report Immigration Scams
- DHS Office of Inspector General
- DHS National Cybersecurity Communications and Integration Center (NCCIC)
- Social Security Administration
Learn more about the CIS Ombudsman's Office by visiting our homepage.