Warning to Diversity Visa Lottery Applicants on Fraudulent Offers

February 9, 2011

The Embassy of the United States of America in Croatia wishes to advise the public of a recent increase in fraudulent emails sent to Croatian citizens soliciting payment for immigration visa issuance.

These emails and related websites pose as official U.S. Government agencies and may fraudulently request money to "complete" lottery entry forms or for other services. There is no charge to complete and apply via the official Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form so applicants DO NOT need to pay for this opportunity (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html).

The Department of State notifies successful Diversity Visa applicants by letter, and not by e-mail.

Other non-official websites (e.g., using the suffixes ".com," ".org" or ".net") provide legitimate immigration and visa related information and services.  These services are NOT necessary to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery and if payment is made to such a company, the money is not received by the U.S. Government and does not apply towards a visa fee. The Department of State does not endorse, recommend or sponsor any information or material shown at these other websites. The information provided may not be correct or up-to-date so should always be verified independently.

Beware of websites that use images to appear as official U.S. Government websites or websites that require you to pay for services such as forms and information about immigration procedures, which are otherwise free on the Department of State websites or overseas through the American Embassy websites, and of emails that lure you to take advantage of false offers for U.S. visas. Additionally, be wary of sending any personal information, since these sites may even be used to gather personal information that could result in identity fraud or theft.

The Department of State will not e-mail notifications to Diversity Visa entrants informing them of their winning entry but will send written notification from the Kentucky Consular Center. No other organization or private company is authorized by the Department of State to notify Diversity Visa lottery applicants of their winning entry.

If you require additional information visit the US Embassy Zagreb website at http://zagreb.usembassy.gov

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