Caribbean News
Venezuelan, Cuban Migrants Being Scammed Out of Life Savings Via Fake ‘Travel Schemes’
By Shanieka Smith
Staff Writer
February 15, 2023 – Scams from fraudulent asylum-travel companies seem to be on the rise and targeted towards Cubans and Venezuelans. Many residents have reportedly lost their life savings due to these schemes.
The fraud breakout came after US President Joe Biden announced a program, which limits the number of Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan migrants to the states yearly. These fake companies prey on people seeking an American sponsor and through counterfeit travel documents, rob them of thousands.
A Cuban victim recounted his loss of $1,800 after being asked to “pay ahead of time” with a promise of reimbursement. When he refused payment, the young man said he was blocked.
“They’re preying on people who are desperate and vulnerable that are trying to get to the United States,” said John de la Vega, a Miami immigration attorney.
The U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services said they have a screening process through which prospective supporters are carefully vetted.