Scam Alert and Fraud Warning
Caution against fraudulent activity
The U.S. Embassy Hanoi, Vietnam reminds Vietnamese citizens and residents to use caution when working with private entities to apply for visas to the United States, as reports of fraudulent e-mails, websites, and print advertisements offering visa services are on the rise.
Many private websites offer legitimate services to assist individuals in applying for visas, but some illegitimate entities claim to provide "visa services" as a cover for scams or identity theft. Some of these websites may attempt to charge a fee for providing forms and information about immigration procedures that are available to the public at no charge on the Department of State and travel.state.gov websites, or through the U.S. Embassy Hanoi website.
Caution against sending personal information via email
Persons who wish to apply for U.S. visas should use caution before deciding to send via e-mail personal information such as credit card and bank account numbers. The U.S. Embassy does not require such information. Visa fees should always be paid at Citi-bank.
Caution against DV Lottery scam
One widespread Diversity Visa (DV) scam e-mail instructs recipients to send money via Western Union to a fictitious person at the U.S. Embassy in London. If you have received this e-mail, you have been targeted by con artists. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should money be sent to any address for participation in the DV Lottery.
The Department of State's Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) does not send e-mail notification to DV entrants informing them of their winning entries. Applicants will NEVER receive correspondence containing information on an applicant's status, but will only receive notification directing them to check their status on the official website.
The only official way to receive status updates is through the DV program website at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/.
Attention of the Summer Work and Travel applicants
The US Embassy does not condone the practice of some sponsoring agencies to ask a financial “deposit” from the Summer Work & Travel applicants. Many agencies offer appropriate services but some agencies are known to delay without legitimate reason the return of the sums deposited.
Applicant should choose their sponsoring agency with care and request detailed information before contracting with one.