I came across probably the most interesting advertisement I’ve ever seen today. It had a link advertising for me to win a United States green card. The privacy service I was using has a proxy service while browsing, so the website I was on probably thought I was outside of the United States at the time and was likely targeting foreigners. Having recently read about another growing international internet scam, I was interested to see how this one would work, so I did something I wouldn’t normally do – I clicked on the ad.
It took me here: http://www.usafis.org/_sys/EN/count_land3_en.asp?af=add_en_exm_300×250_en
I never knew getting a green card was so easy?
Of course they make it look like a US Government website. It even had a countdown timer of 5 minutes – so if you really want a Green Card you have to hurry! I was tempted to register to see what their next step is, but I decided to avoid the flood of spam (or the trouble of setting up a temporary online email account). The sad part is they probably extract money from hopeful foreigners – money they cant afford to lose. (Or who knows, maybe there’s a chance this thing is real…)
A friendly reminder to be careful of internet scams out there.
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Let's have a new poll, alright, Joe?
:@:)
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{ 103 comments… read them below or add one }
Joe, I have heard about the “lottery” program , and, believe it or not, the lottery does exist, as a government program through the State Department, to provide green cards to a number of people wishing to enter the US (although they must still meet certain requirements). See the link here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html
However, as you pointed out, the USAFIS program certainly appears to be a way to take money from people to “assist” them in entering the lottery, when no such assistance is truly needed. Nor does using the above system guarantee anything: the lottery system remains a lottery, no matter how much you pay for help filling in the paperwork.
Lots of chatter out there from people who believe the USAFIS (NOT a government agency; just trying very hard to sound like one!) is a big fat scam.
I never cease to be amazed.
Subject: Re: Misleading information concerning USAFIS Organization
Dear Joe,
It has come to our attention that USAFIS Organization has been mentioned in your site as a green card lottery website involved in scam internet issues. As herein detailed, the aforesaid publications are misleading and erroneous.
As the operators of USAFIS web site, we wish to furnish you with some significant details concerning USAFIS:
1. USAFIS ensures its clients that their application to the U.S. Diversity Visa Green Card program (DV) meets all the requirements outlined by the U.S. State Department before it is submitted.
2. USAFIS services include data inspection, correct completion of the application form, scanning of applicant’s photos and submission of the application in a timely manner.
3. USAFIS also indicates the option of using the U.S. Department of State’s website which is free of charge (http://www.usafis.org).
4. USAFIS does not charge its clients for registering to the DV, but only for its application inspection service.
5. Furthermore, USAFIS posts on its website that it does not charge its client for the application submission (http://www.usafis.org/faq/land_english.asp), in addition to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s warning about fraudulent green card lottery scams (http://www.usafis.org/consumer_alert.asp) which is published as well in USAFIS web site.
6. USAFIS prides itself for helping hundreds of thousands of people with their application to qualify for the Green Card Lottery program.
7. Our guarantee is that our customers’ application will qualify for the Green Card Lottery program and nothing else.
In consideration of the above, it is clear that classifying USAFIS web site as a scam green card lottery service is improper and in addition, causes severe damages to our organization.
Therefore, you are kindly requested to amend your misleading publications, print a retraction and remove the incorrect items of the aforesaid article, from your website.
Sincerely,
Ida Wilcox
Public Affairs Manager
USAFIS Organization
Ida;
Just a few questions:
1. Why is it that your Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Facts and FAQ’s etc., are available only in English?
2. How much is charged for the “application inspection service”?
3. How many people actually “WIN” green cards to the U.S. on an annual basis?
4. How do these answers (all of the above) compare with going through the U.S. State Department?
Thank you.
Ida Wilcox,
Thank you for stopping by to share some information about your company.
Because you didn’t leave an email address or telephone number, I’m forced reply to your message from here.
I appreciate you wanting to defend your company. You’ve asked that I “amend your misleading publications, print a retraction and remove the incorrect items”.
First, I would ask exactly which statements above are you referring to as incorrect or misleading?
Next, I would say that by giving you the opportunity to clear up anything inaccurate here on this page may be even better for your business. I think this is a great opportunity to clear your companies name – not just on this page – but on other locations on the internet, because it appears that there are several people that have concerns with USAFIS’s business practices including:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/usafis-c12816.html
http://www.laborlawtalk.com/showthread.php?t=56683
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071020020956AAhqinQ
and many more.
I must say, based on my initial experience your company feels very questionable, but if that is not that case, I’d like to clear that up for everyone. And if you have a good, reputable company, providing a valuable service for the cost, that is not misleading people with your ads, I’d be willing to not only remove any incorrect or misleading statements – I’d write up a positive article reviewing your company and give you FREE advertising on this website for a time.
But let’s get some things cleared up to help us get there. To help with that, can you please answer the questions below:
Why is there a countdown clock on your application page (please visit the link provided in the original post above)? On that page there is clearly a countdown clock indicating a time limit allowing for only 5 minutes left for this “special offer” to “Win A Green Card to The USA”. What exactly happens if someone does not take advantage of the special offer within the 5 minutes? It looks like they miss out on their chance to win a green card, or at least the chance to apply. But looking further into your website, there is a nearly identical form here: https://www.usafis.org/masterssl/start.asp without a countdown clock. This appears to be a strategy I’ve seen with many telemarketers or high pressure salespeople indicating “today is the only day this discount/package/special offer is available. If you don’t buy today I can’t give it to you tomorrow.” When in trugh the offer is available to anyone and everyone all the time and used as nothing more than a dishonest tactic to create pressure to seal the deal. So please explain what exactly is the purpose of the clock, and what does someone miss out on if they don’t complete?
How does your program work?
When someone registers for the lottery, what services, exactly, does your company offer and what FEES are charged for those services?
Where online do you list your fees in advance?
Where on your website do you list a sales or customer service telephone number?
Where on your website do you list a contact email address for inquires prior to registration?
What is your company’s process of handling customer complaints? For example, below are two complaints found online from some apparent customers of USAFIS.org. What is your process in rectifying situations such as this?
” I have had a very bad experience with “USAFIS.org”. After receiving an email last fall to say we had won, and send money etc, we were advised it was fake. Since then I have been trying to get info from usafis, but all I am told is that we were entered and hadn’t won in 2005 or 2006. The emails are in badly written english. Today I finally got to speak to someone at the Kentucky Center and found out that we were actually drawn for the DV 2005, but my application was disqualified because my photo was in my wife’s place and hers in mine, and also hers was poor quality. What a blow. Our daughter lives in Ralaigh and we would dearly love to be near our newborn grandson. We could work so my wife could look after him. This mistake is a life altering one in that had it proceeded as hoped ours and our family’s lives would have changed forever, for the good. People like these have to be stopped. We paid for a service that was not provided. ”
” You may want to warn your readers to steer away from USAFIS. In 2003, I used my credit card number for a friend to make a green card application for him and his wife USAFIS for $69. In November 2004, I noted two charges, one for $89 and another for $25 on my credit card bill that I did not recognize. I, of course, challenged these charges and my credit card contacted the firm that had made the charges, and it turned out to be USAFIS. USAFIS had the nerve to fax my credit card company the bill from 2003, which carried a charge of $69 and which they had easily turned into $89 with the quick swipe of a pen. I have conacted USAFIS about this obvious fraud but to date have received no reply, and of this date I still have not managed to have this charge cleared from my credit card. I have sent all the information about this case to the US Attorney General’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and I also have reported the fraudulent acts of USAFIS to the Office of the New York Attorney General. Hopefully, one or the other will manage to shut this phony organization down.”
http://www.mygreencard.com/review.php
One website warning of green card scams advises:
• AVOID any lottery web site that uses the word “official” or implies to be associated with a U.S. government agency. NO lottery service has a government affiliation. Avoid any service that uses “Kentucky Consular enter” in their headings.
I noticed on the link from the original post you say: “This is the Official Usafis website that handles all our clients Green Card Registrations worldwide. Do not be fooled by other websites claiming to be Usafis.” Exactly how many other websites have claimed to be Usafis? (please provide website example – even if the site is no longer in existence)
• AVOID lottery services that fail to list their fees until you register.
I could find nowhere online that lists your fees prior to filling out a registration form. Do you list your fees online on your public website?
• AVOID lottery services do not provide an “about us” page with contact information (e-mail address and telephone number) to reach them if questions arise about your application.
Is this information available on your website?
• AVOID lottery services that force you to register before they provide their contact information.
Is contact information (i.e. email/telephone number) available on your website?
• AVOID paying lottery services in advance for more than two years, since your personal information and the lottery rules can change from year to year rendering the information you supplied obsolete.
Do you register individuals for more than two years?
And finally, Last year (2007) how many applicants did your company service who were approved for the lottery?
Clarifying these points could go a long way in clearing the air for your company and show that you are open and responsive to inquiries about your company and services. At the same time, avoiding to respond to inquiries will put into serious question the ethics and reputable nature of your business in my opinion.
I anticipate many of us will be looking forward to your response.
Joe
Hi Ida,
Thought you might like to read what the Federal Trade Commission has to say about agencies like yours that charge a fee to “help” people enter the lottery:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt003.shtm
As you can see, no fee is required and potential entrants are guided through the process quite easily at the official site of the diversity lottery.
Potential entrants are wisely being warned away from agencies such as yours. Indeed, these types of agencies are designated as “scams” by the FTC on that website. Maybe you should address this issue with them.
Ah, Ida. Daunting, isn’t it? Not to worry. I have no doubt that with your company’s expertise in helping trusting people wade through the mounds of legalese and government paperwork every day, you’ll be able to respond to our few, albeit sincere, concerns in no time flat.
Looking forward to your reply…
Nemesis, LOL……
Great articles! Look what interesting article i have found about Business Website
****link moderated due to posting advertisment which had nothing to do with any of the topics on this board****
Ida Wilcox,
I read so many comments on how other people have been scammed through USAFIS.ORG and me being one of them, I don’t suppose you can defend yourself any longer. Not that you have been doing so anyway.
This is how it works, you sign up and pay for the required amount for the amount of years you want to be included in the lottery programme, I paid $81, and a week later I received a phone call from someone called ‘Jane’ trying to talk me into spending over 400 euros to take part in another lottery programme for 10 yrs which supposedly increases my chances to win! When I declined she offered a discount. I tried to contact USAFIS on the number given but it didnn’t work! I have already filed a compalint with the FBI and FTC. Oh by the way, the so called info provided by USAFIS shown below was not there when I signed up for it.
3. USAFIS also indicates the option of using the U.S. Department of State’s website which is free of charge (http://www.usafis.org).
They must be watching complaints and updating the website as they read about it, in an attemp to clarify things.
Also I’d like to draw your attention to Sarah75’s findings on http://www.pronetworks.org/forum/about53188-0-asc-10.html
Kayla,
I’m sorry you lost $81 and happy that you didn’t lose any more. Good for you for reporting the scam to the appropriate authorities. Glad to see people sticking up for themselves and trying to protect others from such scams……
Interesting how they never came back on to defend themselves and/or their site.
Babs,
I’m very sorry I lost my money too, and wish I had paid more attention before applying to it..
But to my surprise, I found one of the supposedly winners on facebook and asked him about it. Like I said very surprisingly he said he won through USAFIS, however, when I mentioned that the actual lottery application dates are between October and December, and that my application was outside of those dates, he didn’t reply back.. Very Strange..
CR67 – I definitely agree with you, its very interesting that they didn’t come back to defend the company..
I want to know if there is a governmental free US green card ?
here is a link that should help you: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html
be wary of any site that charges you money to “help” you through the government process……..
good luck!
My brother applied through this organization last year and he hasn’t heard anything back yet. Of course it could be that he didn’t win. Does anyone know when the last letters for the winners are sent out? He paid a fee that will enter his application for 2 years but after those reviews I am not sure what we can do. I tried to send an email to ask for proof of entry and I haven’t heard back. He wants to apply again in case he doesn’t win this year through the free regular goverment site but what happens if USAFIS re-sends his application as well as they said they will for 2 years? If that happens he will be disqualified if he enters twice. Could anyone respond please? I am not sure what should we do? We would like to cancel the second year with USAFIS but I am not sure how? I can’t even think about getting my money back, I just want to make sure they enter the application. I apreciate any response. Thank you
try checking here, andrea:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html
Thank you so much for the site. But if we try to apply again through the legitimate site and USAFIS applies as well like they say the next year, won’t this cancel his entry because it will be consider he entered twice? Does anyone feels certain they never really send an application? At this point I wish this is a real scam so we can feel comfortable applying again. This is worse than taking your money because you never know for sure what are they doing. Please help if anyone has more info. Thank you again.
can you just check to see if his name is on the list yet? that link, I believe, provides phone numbers so you can see if his name is indeed officially on the lottery list without actually “entering” it….
hope that helps….
welcome
there’s nothing to be Done Sir
you ask usafis support for this
I’m in danger and between danger
and criminal Arab
I’m tunisian 38 years old
I have no problem with american
about green card
you understant urgent problem
thanks
I found Usafis couple days ago when I entered the embassy of USA in Madrid’s website. I filled some paperwork online until they asked me for some sort of money. I stopped and closed the window. However, because i gave my information ( phone number and email address) They constantly contacted me almost everyday. I did not read anything about Usafis and thought it was real. Today i payed 130 euros for supposedly 4 years, and as far as i see, this company “works” VERY HARD to contact you but is never reachable after the payment. I would like to know how to bring this problem to someone who could AT LEAST stop this company from stealing from other people. Right after i payed, I saw all these comments and canceled my credit card right away, in case they use it in the future. I am extremely regret of my actions, and i wish this company is punished from what they have done. is there anything I could do? I am a student a soon college student so I have no much clue about all this.
Thank you!
i want job in usa with free tick and visa pleasa help me
I have the same problem as Andrea’s brother… Last year I applied for 4 years (with an extra year for ‘free’) for about 80 euros, and obviously I didn’t receive any winning notification this year. I would like to regularly apply through the US dept. of State but I don’t want to be disqualified for double entry… in this case, I would have to wait for 4 other years!?!
I wonder how I could be such a fool.
Please, I am in Ghana and I do not have VISA CARD or any CREDIT CARD to pay for theregistration, direct me how I ca pay the from g
Ghana. And what is the deadline for the 2008 lottery.
Solomon, from Ghana.
send cash to( if today )and they will help as much as usafis would.
I’ve come to conclude that this company is technically legit, but realistically as close you can come to being a pyramid scheme without the pyramid.
They are agressive in their sales, as those who were unfortunate enough to actually submit info to them knows – and you also know that they are misleading in their advertising.
If you ask for refunds, they’ll stonewall you and if you press on, they’ll offer more of their nearly-worthless crap.
Avoid them or lob a complaint off to the FTC.
Actually, it is not “legit”: google it and read about everyone who has been ripped off…
Moreover, any agency that asks for money to provide a FREE service, is, by definition, a scam.
I agree with Easterner on this one. The site looks very official and if I were a foreigner without enough money to afford an attorney to help me do my papers I might fall for this trap.
“Actually, it is not “legit”: google it and read about everyone who has been ripped off…”
I said _technically_, as they do say in their FAQ that they are not affiliated with the US govt.
“Moreover, any agency that asks for money to provide a FREE service, is, by definition, a scam.”
No a scam means a fraud. If their services added significant value to an already free product, they wouldn’t be a scam.
Do try to read why I have written, please. I do not support this company, if it was not abundantly clear in my earlier post.
I did read what you wrote; guess we disagree on the definition of “legit”: read what the us gov’t has to say about USAFIS at the immigration and naturalization site, posted above……..
Have a great night!
want settle and pay $50 to usafis
I’m an American who lives abroad and these darn ads keep popping up on an all too frequent basis…. personally, I don’t think that we should be giving away Green Cards in some kind of free lottery. But hey, it is what it is. The fact that someone would try to build a “service” around it, that’s something I find pretty… well, you can probably fill the rest.
Great posts by some folks.
I administer a green card lottery service review page on my website at http://www.mygreencard.com. We have received so many complaints about USAFIS, that I started posting letters from their customers. They charge hundreds of dollars to those willing to pay anything for a chance to enter the USA via the lottery. Unfortunately, this particular service (and their clone sites), have amassed an amazing worldwide marketing engine tthat continues to lure hapless victims each year. For more info, please feel free to visit our site. BTW, we are NOT a lottery service provider.
Joe Bob!!
When will your “Drive-In” be back?
Loved your book “Evidence of Love”.
Are you really Joe Bob???
why sent my answer for my questions
I just fell for this the other day, wish I had read this first now. I was unaware at the time that you could enter yourself for free. Is anyone actually happy with this service or should I be cancelling my credit card?
Taita,
Cancel immediately if you still can; if not, contact your credit card company and let them know you were defrauded by this company.
This is the legitimate site: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html
You do NOT need to apply through any private company like USAFIS. . . they only take your money for doing what you can do for free.
Good luck. Let me know how you make out.
I cant believe that I fell for it!
Danny, don’t feel bad; they do their very best to make it look legit and like a government agency…..I hope you can get your money back…..
I applied for the usafis green card lotto in 2005 for 4 years. I got a phone call a few weeks ago from a very pushy person from the usafis company offering a great offer for an additional six years. I said no that I couldn’t afford that and then they started asking me about the credit card I used to make the initial $119 payment. I said it was my mother’s credit card and I didn’t want to use it…then they got really pushy. Eventually I hung up. They rang back a few times after that, I didn’t answer cos I couldn’t believe someone working for a professional company like that would be so rude!
Then being suspicious I looked up the initial email I got from them when I applied. The reply address is: umwbbwjbpazwbqgw@usafisnews.org
I don’t think this is a legit address.
Can’t believe I’ve been had. Does anyone know how I can cancel the application I have on USAFIS?
Subject: Re: Misleading information concerning USAFIS Organization
Being Usafis’ PR manager, It has come to our attention that our Organization has been mentioned in your site by a commenter named Joe Eagle as a green card lottery website involved in fraudulent issues. As herein detailed, the aforesaid publications are misleading and erroneous.
As the operators of USAFIS web site, we wish to furnish you with some significant details concerning USAFIS:
1. USAFIS ensures its clients that their application to the U.S. Diversity Visa Green Card program (DV) meets all the requirements outlined by the U.S. State Department before it is submitted.
2. USAFIS services include data inspection, correct completion of the application form, scanning of applicant’s photos and submission of the application in a timely manner.
3. USAFIS also indicates the option of using the U.S. Department of State’s website which is free of charge (http://www.usafis.org).
4. USAFIS does not charge its clients for registering to the DV, but only for its application inspection service.
5. Furthermore, USAFIS posts on its website that it does not charge its client for the application submission (http://www.usafis.org/faq/land_english.asp), in addition to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s warning about fraudulent green card lottery scams (http://www.usafis.org/consumer_alert.asp) which is published as well in USAFIS web site.
6. USAFIS prides itself for helping hundreds of thousands of people with their application to qualify for the Green Card Lottery program.
7. Our guarantee is that our customers’ application will qualify for the Green Card Lottery program and nothing else.
In consideration of the above, it is clear that classifying USAFIS web site as a fraudulent green card lottery services is improper and in addition, causes DSNR severe damages.
Therefore, you are kindly requested to amend the misleading publications and remove the incorrect items of the aforesaid article, from your website.
Sincerely,
Ida Wilcox
Manager Public Affairs
“Ida”…you sent the exact same threat on May 18th of this year; I believe Joe answered you point by point….
Your “agency” charges vulnerable people for a service which is actually provdided free through the federal government; you make claims that your “agency” will somehow improve one’s chances of winning the green card lottery, which is a patently false claim.
If you are still unclear about the fraud your “agency” is committing, please take a look at this link, provided by the U.S. State Department, warning diversity lottery entrants away from scams such as USAFIS:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html
Have a great day, “Ida”…………..
Reminds me a how da folks talk downwards towards a Louisana way. “ida liketa belt that boy right in the chops dere Margaret!”
The latest green card lottery scam site reported by our readers is a domain called Greencard4life.org. We have been receiving complaints about their service on an almost daily basis, and have posted several example letters at http://www.mygreencard.com/reviews.
Sorry, that URL is http://www.mygreencard.com/review.php
Intermediaries like this …. Evil and insatiable.
Do you want to work and live in the United States? Find all the information that you need to, including:
* US Visas and Green Cards
* Jobs online
* Resumes and interviews
Hey “Study in the USA”,
students do not need to pay you $50 to get a list of colleges that have swimming or soccer programs……..
please stop scamming innocent international students!
we also alply for the visa lotery green card TRU USAFIS ORG and after i realize that they are not for real ,but what is done is done because they have my money , so they ask me for more money like 450 euro but here is stop the the fraud for me is enough the 200-300 usd they toock from me,big fraud those USAFIS. WHAT TO DO THEIR SITE LOOCK SO REAL,BECAREFULL PEOPLE STAY AWAY FROM USAFIS.ORG.
Hey Everyone,
Thanks!!! My parents actually fell for it. The funny part was when i saw my parents applying at the site the price quoted were in pounds when i was in the US. I knew straight off something was not right. Checked it out landed here and BAM got all my answers. Lucky I was looking over their shoulder ay the time.
I would also like to mention 2 other sites similar to them.
1)WWW.GREEN-CARD-DV-APPLICATION.ORG
How can I get Green-Card-DV-Application.org Username and Password?
Kindly note that in order to complete your green card application and get user name and password; you must pay on line using your credit card. Please visit the following link: https://www.usafis.org/masterssl/index.asp?af=aga
2) http://WWW.USIMMIGRATIONSUPPORT.ORG
About U.S. Immigration Support…..This website is not affiliated with the United States Government.
——-
Once again would like to thanks those who provided us with the correct site refference.
Hi Rakesh,
Let us know what happens….
I made one apllication through USAFIS .org I dd pay even after looking on the web obut this “USAFIS” I discover-realise that I was cheed and I thoght that I could check my apllication the real webside USA greencard lotery I introduse my password and my username and every time it give me eror .I send them mail°s with some questions but until today nothing.I realise that my money are lost but. Idd try to find even if I was submit with USAFIS(ilegal organisation how it apears) I can olsou submit to the real US Estate Department GreenCard Lotery that is free Idd look the there webside but I didn°t find enithing to my problem and I wanna be shore first I compile my submision.Can someone give a clou,a hand.Thanks….Good job on this webside .
i have rcvd a msg that i was chosen by usafis what shoudld i do????
Oh my gosh! I can’t believe I was so incredibly stupid! I too received a pop up on my comp and when I tried to close it, it took me to the USAFIS website (or was it?). I was curious so filled in some info, but then saw there was a charge involved so cancelled window – without sending details. The next day I received a call (remember I hadn’t submitted info) and although I was very apprehensive about giving details over the phone, they managed to convince me (an hour later) that this was a good investment in my and my children’s future (I think my brain was on vacation!).
I then checked my cc online and discovered that the payments were made to www8.USAFIS.ORG SINGAPORE
oh!oh! Is this a scam riding on the back of a scam?
Unfortunately my cc company says they can only dispute this payment once it has gone through (I was hoping they’d stop the payment). I can just see them (whoever they are) offering to refund my money!
The best I can hope for is that no entry into the lottery has been made ( I never sent photos) so that my children are able to enter the FREE lottery without fear of disqualification.
As for me I don’t want to hear the words ‘Green Card’ again!
I feel like such a moron!
Hi Everyone,
I would like to share this info:
1. Green Card Lottery by US Gov exists. The real web site is: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/sept/110467.htm
2. It is free application but it has duration every year that the application is available online.
3. Now you can check your photo validity online by uploading your photo file.(you have to submit it online too)
4. Application procedure takes maximum 30 minutes provided you have valid photo.So, before starting to fill out the application, please validate the photo first.
5. If you win, they will notify by postal only.
6. If you win, you have to go through acquiring visa process. You will need to pay visa fees.
7. Air Ticket is your own expense.
There are some services who takes care of the application (in fact i think it is very easy, doable yourself) and charge you for it. Better do yourself if you have internet and good photo shop near your place! Good luck!
This was all covered in the earliest comments, above.
Subject: Re: Misleading information concerning USAFIS Organization
Dear Joe,
It has come to our attention that USAFIS Organization has been mentioned in your site as a green card lottery website involved in scam internet issues. As herein detailed, the aforesaid publications are misleading and erroneous.
As the operators of USAFIS web site, we wish to furnish you with some significant details concerning USAFIS:
1. USAFIS ensures its clients that their application to the U.S. Diversity Visa Green Card program (DV) meets all the requirements outlined by the U.S. State Department before it is submitted.
2. USAFIS services include data inspection, correct completion of the application form, scanning of applicant’s photos and submission of the application in a timely manner.
3. USAFIS also indicates the option of using the U.S. Department of State’s website which is free of charge (http://www.usafis.org).
4. USAFIS does not charge its clients for registering to the DV, but only for its application inspection service.
5. Furthermore, USAFIS posts on its website that it does not charge its client for the application submission (http://www.usafis.org/faq/land_english.asp), in addition to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s warning about fraudulent green card lottery scams (http://www.usafis.org/consumer_alert.asp) which is published as well in USAFIS web site.
6. USAFIS prides itself for helping hundreds of thousands of people with their application to qualify for the Green Card Lottery program.
7. Our guarantee is that our customers’ application will qualify for the Green Card Lottery program and nothing else.
In consideration of the above, it is clear that classifying USAFIS web site as a scam green card lottery service is improper and in addition, causes severe damages to our organization.
Therefore, you are kindly requested to amend your misleading publications, print a retraction and remove the incorrect items of the aforesaid article, from your website.
Sincerely,
Ida Wilcox
Public Affairs Manager
USAFIS Organization
ummm Karen (or Ida)…..didn’t you already request this back in May in comment #3 and #41?
In my opinion, I don’t believe anything needs to be “re-tracted or removed” as it’s merely one persons opinion and research on a particular topic and/or company, and a group of other people discussing said issue. Nobody ever came outright said that YOUR site was a scam. If you’ll go back and re-read the original post left by Joe, it clearly states and I quote, “maybe there’s a chance this thing is real” and merely says in the last sentence “A friendly reminder to be careful of internet scams out there”.
Nowhere does it say that your site is a scam. (although there were links provided that noted complaints about your site)
Joe replied to your original request to remove “his opinion” from this site in comment #5. He asked you a number of questions which you failed to answer and he also provided the public with numerous links regarding complaints as mentioned before. This is all public knowledge, so I’m not sure where he’s “mis-leading” anybody.
Perhaps you could go back and answer the issues he brought up in comment #5. It may go a long way in helping to clear up any misconceptions the public may or may not have about the company you work for.
Just a thought.
Good ‘ol Karen/Ida is back again. Her job probably consists of scanning the internet for anything negative about her group, then applying a cut and paste. Sad.
Wow! I can’t believe that this scam is actually out there. I am sorry for all the people who lost money due to this company BUT it’s amazing that you’re informing others of what happened to you. That’s a selfless act.
I stumbled across this site because someone contacted my aunt in Barbados about being in a green card lottery. I told here there’s no way the US government would give away free green cards. That’s a money making process that they won’t give a break on.
They’re indeed targeting people in foreign countries. That’s a crying shame.
It’s also a shame that earlier people who were defending the so called comany disappeared as soon as the public questioned them and they didn’t like what was being said and asked. If only everyone stood together on other pressing issues like this.
Sherrianne
You’re only partially correct Sherraine. Actually the US does give out green cards in a lottery type setting. (although it’s a much more stringent process since 9/11 happened). The thing with this particular website is, they charge a fee for information people could otherwise get for free through the proper channels.
I wanna go for higher studies and get a job please make an opportunity for me giving a visa and green card
I’ll do any work under you
We don’t happen to be the proper channels cited in comment #61…as it turns out…
There’s some foolery going on… here.
Contrary to an earlier comment, beginning this year with DV-2010, entrants will finally be able to check the status of their GCL entry on-line, if they entered directly via the government site and kept their entry number. This will (hopefully) take away one of the major sources of fraud by those who send fake electronic “winning letters” in exchange for money. If any reader has been the victim of fraudulent GCL activity, please notify us our at our GCL watchdog site here -> http://www.mygreencard.com/review.php You can also visit our affiliated site at http://www.myusai.org to get more general information on visiting the USA (for free). Good luck!
Hahah
“you are kindly requested to amend the misleading publications and remove the incorrect items of the aforesaid article, from your website.”
Realize Ida, you are making a fool out of yourself and your ‘company’, everything points to the fact that it is involved in fraudulent business and your lack of ability to expand your arguments only makes this suspicion even stronger.
You should apologize to all the poor people that have been misguided into trusting you.
I just went and canceled my credit card today. and to my surprise, the bank showed me a number of ‘declined’ transaction for 200 that usafis have tried to withdraw out of my card! and when they couldn’t, they phoned me and said i was ‘eligible’ for VIP upgrade in regrds to my greencard. to try and scab even more money off me.
my question is, why is this website NOT yet been shut down? or FBI bustin’ any caps. there’s so many victims like us out there, surely we can shut these peeps down.
thanks for your comments on this web site. I´ve just recieved a call from usafis – now i know what my answer will be…. will wait until the end of 09 and fill out the normal application on the us. government site.. thaks for saving me money guys… and girls.. have a great day… thomas..
I am very sad to see this information.
I already paid $400.
This money is my blood.
I never believe American people.
You never believe American people? That’s a pretty generalized racist statement. Yet you’re trying everything you can to get into this country aren’t you? Interesting
Last I checked, American wasn’t a race.
good day to you all, i am sunday oladimeji from lagos nigeria. i am one of the pactipant in a uasfis which i believe is still on. am here to ask, how am going to pay the money which the organisation ask me to paid. kindly make it urgent answer for me so that i can make the payment. look favourably to hear from you.
yours faithfully
sunday oladimeji
You should enter the lottery yourself, during the open registration period. This will likely start in October 2009. However, if you need to use a paid, third party agent to help you prepare a paper-based application and upload your photograph(s) into a computer, I suggest you use one of the services we recommend at http://www.mygreencard.com/review.php. Be advised that we are now in the process of reviewing and rating green card lottery service providers for the upcoming 2009 (DV-2011) green card lottery, so our information is not yet current.
Mr. Sunday,
I am from America, my father was a high level official of the US Government. He left me millions of dollars, but because I am a libertarian, the democracts won’t allow me access to it.
Since our President’s father is from your nieghboring country of Kenya, they will allow a Nigerian national to access my money. If you will please give me your bank account number, I will allow them to transfer the money to you. As a sign of good faith will you send me $10,000 and I will share with you my millions.
Please respond as soon as possible, before the democrats give all my money to someone else.
Thank you in advance for the $10,000
LMAO You’re too much Herb! That was good.
That’s a classic Herb! Mind if we copy and paste it, and use it for a response to email spam? Oh yeah, they don’t use legit return emails anyway. But thanks for a great AM laugh!!
P.S. You should have asked for $20K.
I couldn’t resist!
LOL Herb!!
I noticed that USAFIS seem to do a lot of advertising. Thats one of the reason I was scammed into thinking that they were ligit! They advertise on bebo and if you google ‘green card’ usafis.org comes up as a sponsored link. Wonder is there anyway to report the scam to search sites like google. Might stop them stealing peoples money!
And they ARE stealing money. Too many people want to go to US officially. They think, that by applying through USAFIS they have a greater chance to win the lottery. The scam goes even further. As they advertise themselves:
1. One can apply whenever he wants. Winter, summer – doesn’t matter.
2. One can submit whatever photo he has. With friends, with glasses, under water – again doesn’t matter.
Nothing matters as long as you pay.
To all non USA citizens, hoping to win the 2011 DV-Lottery – DO NOT PAY ANYONE! MONEY YOU GIVE ARE 100% LOSS. THE APPLICATION FORM FOR THE DV-LOTTERY IS MADE SO EASY, THAT YOU DON’T NEED EVEN A HELP. IF YOU NEED ANY HELP JUST FIND A FRIEND WHO CAN “SPIIK SUM INGLISH, OR RIID SUM WURDS”. THE LANGUAGE IN THE APPLICATION FORM IS VERY SIMPLE. ALSO EXPLANATIONS ARE GIVEN WITH AN EXAMPLE (LIKE CORRECT AND INCORRECT PICTURE FOR INSTANCE).
PLEASE, DO NOT ALLOW OTHERS TO MAKE MONEY FROM YOUR DREAM. AND DO NOT FORGET, THAT ALL WHO WILL WIN THE 2011 DV-LOTTERY WILL BE NOT MORE THEN 50000. WISH YOU AND MYSELF GOOD LUCK.
Many thanks for the post.. I was really concern about this add. as one of my relatives got email from this organization.. they ask him to complete the application as soon as possible by paying the fee.. I don’t know what happened next.. but certainly this kind of organizations must act on some international rules.
The way I see it, this isn’t a scam. The purpose is disclosed on the website. This company is working as a middleman and charging a processing fee for the service that is provided.
Do I think it’s a rip off? Absolutely.
In these times, it’s always best to review Terms and Conditions of service before purchasing anything. Everything that I’ve seen as a complaint in this string of comments is covered as a right of the business in these terms.
http://www.usafis.org/legal.asp
Actually (or maybe unfortunately) there ARE circumstances in which some people may need to use a lottery service provider… and I’m NOT defending the poor business practices of USAFIS, especially their abysmal service. But those reasons for using a third party are:
1) Lack of computer access or skills
2) Poor English language skills
3) Unreliable postal service in your home country
4) Unknown future residence
We are now in the process of evaluating and rating these providers to separate the good ones from the rip offs. If anyone is interested in more details on this, check our website at http://www.mygreencard.com/review.php. Also, if anyone has had a bad (or good) experience with a provider, please let us know at http://www.mygreencard.com/contactus.php. Thanks.
Hey guys,
Did anyone from you try to get paid money back, to claim the credit card payment transaction?
I have also been fooled, I paid for 2 years and then they offered me a VIP upgrade for 10 years. I did not say yes but they took the money $600, since they had my credit card details. How easy will it be to get my money back? Does my bank have any chances? Any experience?
how to apply and if its charged
Hi everyone,
I found USAFIS link in google mail ad. And there was the same story … I filled in name and e-mail and my phone#. When the page had suggested to enter my credit card#, I closed the window. Next day they called me back, some lady told me about great life in United States, and great opportunities for me. Then she passed the phone to her “manager”. This kid was straight – he asked my credit card# for some kind of “verification”(shame on me, I told it to him, but I knew there is CVC not to be disclosed for anyone). When he had asked for CVC, I understood that I’m a God damn fool, and hang it out. In a hour they sent me e-mail with “advise” to fill all information on their site.
a sale’s consultant also phoned me. after a whole lot of sales talk she asked for my credit card information. when i refused to give it she put me through to her manager. luckily at this stage i decided to hang up.
Comments regarding USAFIS.
I applied for the US Green Card Lottery via USAFIS and was put into the DV-2010 draw..
I was phoned by USAFIS last week, e-mailed as well advising that I had one a US Green Card.
Subsequently have received the official notification and Immigration documents from Kentucky so I am very happy with USAFIS.
Thanks USAFIS.
Bruno Swanepoel (South Africa)
Ok, Bruno (or should I say USAFIS employee) if you really do receive a green card from this outfit, it looks like you would be the only one.
This place now has a reputation for ripping people off!!! You do NOT need to use an outfit like this to apply for a US Greencard, and using their services does not increase your chances for being drawn in the least.
They are a rip-off company taking advantage of good people.
I notice they never even bothered to respond to the inquiries above… since I highly suspect you actually work for them, why don’t you take the time to respond to those questions instead of posting self-promoting propaganda.
My name is Bernard l encountered USAFIS advert way back in 2006 and applied and paid first $99 later May in December same year l paid $169 to upgrade for a 10 year package. Thereafter l purchased from them a booklet entitled Immigartion Bible and from whom l believe are their affiliate company Nativity audio CD’s for Spanish 7 Business language. This year from June l started receiving phone calls that l won the lottery and that l need to send some money to them then l realise that l have been scammed and l cancelled by credit card to avoid rip off.
Yesterday l received a phone call from one Maya Maman intriducing herself as an Attoney with DC law office email maya at relocation-law.com advising me that l was a winner of Diversity Visa Lottery a she emailed a copy of letter to me c/o USAFIS date 27th April 2009 purportedly from U.S. Dept, Kenturky Consular Centre with case # 2010AF0040702. I have never received the original and it seems they want me to make further payments. Kindly Joe help me know if there is any authenticity in this latest on from Maya or it is a mutation of the scam. Sincerely l no longer wish to relocate l am ok in Kenya. Thanks to all in this blog, please keep helping people.
The following comments were submitted by user “orgusafis” as an article. Because there is already an article discussing this topic, I am moving the comments here which appear to be a more appropriate location:
“What is the Green Card Lottery program and how does it connect with USAFIS?
The official name of the green card lottery program is the Diversity Visa Program (DV). The U.S. State Department provides over two hundred different types of visas for people to work and live in America legally. However, the DV program is the most unique one out there. Many of the visas the U.S Department issues contain strict set of qualifications. With the DV program, all you need is some basic education requirements and a bit of good luck. In 2005, close to six million people applied for the DV program and only 50,000 received the opportunity to work and live in America. USAFIS is the #1 application review provider for the Green card Lottery program. It has helped hundreds of thousands of people with the registration process through its on-line website and professional customer representative call center. If a person is eligible for the program, USAFIS will guarantee the application will qualify for the DV.”
Thank you again for stopping by to reply.
But can you please answer the questions presented above in comment # 5? Are you avoiding these questions? Do you think these questions are unfair? If you can answer these questions, you’ll be doing a lot to clear up the name of your company.
For reference, here are the questions presented to you:
UA:F [1.8.4_1055]
i really thanks for all comments and articles that you bring us. it’s really good for me. at this moment, i recieved mail from usafis. at the first time, it was great for me. but after they ask me for some money by an email (the title said it was free). i’m doubt. so i check a look information bout it. and thanks to god, by read this, i know more bout usafis. BIG THANKS FOR all of you guys,,,
eka from indonesia.
Hi!
I have been so called “applicant” of fu**ing USAFIS.ORG since 2006 and i have paid more than $100.. i don’t remember how much exactly. And since yr 2007 i’ve never won anything.. So i started to think is this thing real or scam? So, i am so very confused and i don’t know what to do now! If i apply for DV in U.S. Gov. official web site for Green Card would’t it be like i am applying two times?
I found this blog yesterday in late evening by accident and i started to read it, and thanks god i did it!
So, after few comments i read here, i sent a letter to usafis with request about my application cancelation and money refund and they never contacted me..
So, if i want to complaint on them where should i turn for a help?
Hi again!
After a hard thinking i’ve decided to try and register at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html and my registration was successful, for now..! How its gonna turn out we’ll see later – am i disqualified or not.
And i am sorry for mistakes in my previous post and in this one..
Is FAKE or NOT http://www.usafis.org/ ??
Deany, it appears to be a scam. You can register for free elswhere. You do not have to pay these guys. They are a rip-off.
Registration for DV-2011 is indeed free. There are some circumstances in which you may want to use a service. It’s mainly for those whose mailing address will change or those from countries with slow or corrupt postal mail delivery. MyGreencard.com has done the legwork to find the (few) good services. We also have a booklet on self-entry called, “Win the Green Card Lottery”. The first 3 chapters are free. We just partnered with the United States Association if Immigrants since they have a monitored immigration forum, etc … Hope this helps everyone.
USAFIS is a subsidiary form DSNR . Is located in Israel at Raanana, near Kfar Sava. The address is Hapnina #8 (Raanana) C.P. 43000. DSNR owners are two israeliens Nino Ransenberg and Daniel Scalosub, from there names comes DSNR). You can go to http://www.dsnr.net if you have any doubts.Phone numbers are 00972-9-762-6100, 00972-9-762-6110. The USAFIS address in New York is a frontingg..Is a Ups Store
2565 Broadway At West 96th St 520 ( a mail box)
New York, NY (212) 866-5511 . USAFIS “The perfect scam”
The lottery is free and you can signup free 2 months a year on the government web site. If you do not feel comfertble getting your image right you can use a provider but be careful who you pick.
Rakesh, thanks for the link to US Immigration http://WWW.USAIMMIGRATIONSUPPORT.COM site. I just applied for green card renewal. Has anybody dealt with this company before? Any comments on it?
Vilma
US Afis is a complete first class scam, j work in a bank fraud investigation in a card processing department and every day have to block cards that have been used on sites like these . They change constantly http://www.8usafis http://www.4usafis and charge thru the Caiman islands, Singapore, Israel …..You block one ten new pop up like mushrooms after rain and after they get your information they keep charging your card until it is completely empty. If you are scammed report it immediately to your Credit card issuer to cancel your card or they will empty it for you.