Scammers Pose as ICE Agents: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Calls

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways

Scammers impersonating ICE officers use spoofed numbers like 210-979-4500 and 866-347-2423 to demand money or sensitive information.
ICE and USCIS never demand money via phone, accept payments through gift cards, or threaten arrest or deportation calls.
Report scams to DHS’s Office of Inspector General (1-800-323-8603) or FTC via ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Immigration-related scams are becoming more common, with fraudsters impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to target vulnerable individuals. These scams often involve spoofing calls, where scammers manipulate phone numbers to appear as though they originate from legitimate ICE offices. This can lead to financial losses and serious anxiety for victims, especially those in immigrant communities. Understanding the nature of these scams and how to identify them is crucial to staying protected.

How Do These Scams Work?

Scammers Pose as ICE Agents: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Calls

Since 2019, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been issuing warnings about fraudulent phone calls where individuals claim to be ICE agents. These scams largely rely on two tactics: spoofing and social engineering.

Spoofing is a process where scammers fake their caller ID to show phone numbers linked to ICE or other official agencies. Numbers frequently used in these schemes include:

210-979-4500: The phone number for DHS’s San Antonio office in Texas.
866-347-2423: ICE’s official tip line.
855-882-8100: The contact number for the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) Ombudsman.
202-282-8000: The DHS office in Washington, D.C.

Social engineering, on the other hand, involves convincing victims to believe the scammer’s story through manipulation. Imposters may mimic ICE officials or other government staffers, often speaking multiple languages with convincing American accents. These tactics are designed to build trust and make victims believe the call is real.

Here’s what typically happens during these scams:

The victim receives a call from someone pretending to be an ICE agent.
The caller claims the individual has violated immigration laws and is at risk of arrest or deportation.
Using scare tactics, the scammer demands sensitive details like a Social Security number, credit card information, or even payment.
Victims are often told they must pay thousands of dollars in fines to avoid consequences. Some scams have required payments of around $3,999.

Scammers occasionally add more complications to make their tricks seem believable. For example, while the fake ICE agent is still on the phone, another scammer may pretend to be a police officer calling from a local police department’s number. This second caller might claim that officers are en route to arrest the victim. To heighten fear, scammers may even play fake police sirens in the background.

In some cases, the victim is directed to ICE’s official website to read legitimate forms, such as immigration bond documents. The scammer then demands payment under the guise of addressing immigration violations and canceling arrest warrants.

How to Spot and Avoid These Scams

It is important to know that ICE and USCIS do not operate in the manner these scammers claim. Here are some essential facts about how ICE and USCIS officials handle communication:

ICE and USCIS will never call anyone to demand money unexpectedly.
They do not accept payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
ICE officers and local police never call individuals to warn them of immediate arrest or deportation.
Arrest warrants issued by ICE are never “canceled” in exchange for money.

To protect yourself against these kinds of scams, follow these tips:

Do not trust caller ID. Even if the number seems legitimate, it could be spoofed to trick you.
Avoid calling back suspicious numbers. Instead, check the agency’s contact details on their official website and call them directly.
Verify unusual phone or email requests. If someone claims to represent ICE, ask for their name and job title, and confirm those details through official communication channels.
Request identification. Legitimate ICE agents carry badges and IDs with their name, photo, and the department logo. Ask to see these credentials if approached in person.

If you ever doubt the credibility of a call, hang up. Then, reach out to the agency through publicly available contact numbers to confirm whether the call was genuine. Sharing this information with family and friends, especially those new to the U.S., can also help prevent further victimization.

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted

If you’ve encountered these scams, it’s vital to report them immediately. Victims can contact the following authorities to raise their concerns:

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General can be reached at 1-800-323-8603.
ICE can be contacted directly via their tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Cases of suspected fraud may also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their online platform at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling (877) FTC-HELP.

Alerting the proper agencies not only helps address your situation but also aids law enforcement in tracking and preventing further scams. According to VisaVerge.com, reporting suspicious activity can lead to investigations that protect other potential victims from falling prey to similar scams.

Current Trends and Impact

The scale of ICE scamming and spoofing calls has grown significantly in recent years. The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2023 alone, impostor scams caused $2.7 billion in losses. These fraudulent activities thrive in politically charged climates, where immigration policies often dominate discussions. For example, during the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, scammers exploited fears about potential immigration reforms to target concerned individuals.

ICE offices have also noted trends where scammers use specific timing to increase their success rate. In January 2025, Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio warned the public about fake calls originating from their main phone number, 210-979-4500. These calls falsely claimed to involve immigration enforcement and threats of detention.

How the Authorities are Responding

Law enforcement is taking a strong stance against these fraudulent practices. Pretending to be a federal agent is a crime, and individuals caught impersonating ICE officials can face severe penalties, including charges for fraud and misrepresentation. Additionally, efforts are underway to raise public awareness about spoofing calls and ICE scamming tactics, ensuring that people remain vigilant.

Though these scams demand attention, there are resources available to safeguard communities. DHS and ICE continue to educate the public on how to spot fraud while encouraging victims to report incidents. This collaborative approach helps authorities uncover patterns and shut down fraudulent schemes.

Staying Informed Moving Forward

As scams evolve, staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. Immigrant communities are especially vulnerable, and sharing information about common scamming techniques can reduce the number of victims. Remind others that government agencies like ICE will never pressure people over calls or send threats about arrest or deportation in exchange for money.

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Do not engage with the scammer or provide any personal information. By knowing what to look out for, avoiding high-pressure tactics, and only dealing with verified officials, you can avoid falling victim to these schemes.

As ICE scamming and spoofing calls remain a serious risk, staying cautious and prepared is essential. Reporting these activities not only helps law enforcement but also makes your community safer. For more trustworthy information on ICE policies and official contact information, visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Learn Today

Spoofing → Manipulating caller ID to display a false number, often mimicking government agencies, to deceive victims.
Social Engineering → Psychological manipulation to gain trust or sensitive information by convincing victims the scammer is legitimate.
Immigration Bond → Financial guarantee paid to secure the release of a detainee, ensuring compliance with immigration proceedings.
Ombudsman → An official who assists in resolving complaints or disputes, functioning independently of the organization being addressed.
Impostor Scams → Fraud where scammers pretend to be authoritative figures or agencies to manipulate victims into providing money or information.

This Article in a Nutshell

Scammers increasingly impersonate ICE officers, targeting vulnerable immigrants with spoofed calls and threats of arrest or deportation. They demand money or personal details, exploiting fear and trust. Remember, ICE never solicits payments or makes threats over the phone. Stay vigilant: verify calls independently and report suspicious activity to protect yourself and others.
— By VisaVerge.com