U.S. Embassy San José Warns of Diversity Visa Scammers

COSTA RICA NEWS — The U.S. Embassy in San José is advising to those interested in participating in the program Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program not to fall victim to websites, phone calls and fake emails asking for their credit card or to make money transfers.

This following a Department of State, Office of Visa Services, advises the public of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa (DV) applicants.

The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the U.S. government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants. All applicants should be familiar with information about DV scams provided by the Federal Trade Commission. Applicants are encouraged to review the rules and procedures for the DV program so that you know what to expect, when to expect it, and from whom.

While DV applicants may receive an email from the U.S. government reminding them to check their status online through DV Entrant Status Check, they will not receive a notification letter or email informing them that they are a successful DV entrant. Applicants can only find out if they were selected to continue with DV processing by checking their status online through the DV Entrant Status Check at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov.

Finally, remember that fees for the DV application process are paid to the U.S. Embassy or consulate cashier at the time of your scheduled appointment. The U.S. government will never ask you to send payment in advance by check, money order, or wire transfer.

The State department website says that visa scam websites are targeting Iranians.

Costa Ricans, who qualify for the lottery program, could also become victims. The US Embassy in San José prepared a video in which the reporter from the United States Embassy in San José talks with representatives of the Consular Section on Program Diversity Visa (DV Lottery), administered annually by the State Department.