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Under the Migration Act 1958, it is against the law for an individual in Australia, who is not a registered migration agent with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, to provide immigration assistance.

Using unregistered migration agents could leave you at risk of being given incorrect or misleading advice. Also, as you will not have the benefit of consumer protection, an unregistered agent might take your money without providing an adequate service or even any service at all.

When approached by someone claiming to be a migration agent, be careful if:

• – you are asked to pay upfront in cash only, and no receipt is provided

• – the fee seems extremely high

• – the ‘agent’ does not give you a contract or statement of services and fees

• – no office address is given and you are asked to meet at a café, pub or other public area

• – only a post office box or mobile phone number is provided

• – no Migration Agents Registration Number (MARN) is advertised – check with Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority if an agent is registered

Remember, it is easy for illegal operators to copy a real website or build one that looks professional – when searching for a registered migration agent, use the link provided on the Register of Migration Agents.

Report them, Your small effort can save many peoples life

If you know of someone who is involved in migration fraud, is operating illegally as an unregistered migration agent, or if you are a victim of migration fraud, report it to us through our Immigration Dob-in Service.

Suspected scams can also be reported to SCAM watch. It is an independent website run by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

If you have been scammed by an individual or group that is not in Australia, you might also want to consider reporting the issue to local police or consumer protection authorities in the country where you reside.