INS Issues Caution on Impostor Websites
Posted Nov 01, 2002

The INS has issued a warning against websites falsely claiming to be official government websites. Bona fide government websites usually end in <.gov>, rather than <.net>, <.org> or <.com>. However, there are exceptions - like the website for scheduling visa application appointments with U.S. consulates in Canada and Mexico <http://www.nvars.com>. While the INS acknowledges that some non-governmental websites provide legitimate information, others try to mislead people and charge them for forms and information that is free and available through the INS.

For those with questions about the legitimacy of immigration-related websites or the information contained therein, the INS provides a service known as INS Feedback. This service allows communication with the INS regarding a limited number of matters, including imposter websites.

We are always concerned when persons and organizations try to take advantage of the vulnerability of immigrants. There is much to be learned about immigration updates or laws that can be found, free of charge, on the Internet. However, the sources must be carefully reviewed and the possibility of bias considered. It is also very important to understand that applicability of a particular situation to a person may vary based on a seemingly minor variation in the facts of the case. Since many decisions about immigration matters have long-term, life-impacting consequences, the information upon which those decisions are based must be reliable and up-to-date.

At MurthyDotCom, we strive to provide the most accurate immigration information as a free service to the immigrant community – via the MurthyBulletin, the MurthyForum, and the MurthyChat. Our website is listed by the Encyclopedia Britannica among the Best Legal Websites for the content we carry.