IAA launches campaign against fraudsters

The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) has launched its first national awareness campaign to protect individuals from fraudulent, unregulated immigration advisers. This initiative seeks to highlight the IAA’s role as the UK’s independent regulator of immigration advisers while prompting people to verify the authorisation of their advisers before entrusting them with their cases. Pre‑campaign research by the IAA indicates that many advice seekers, especially those facing urgent or complex immigration decisions, are unaware of the necessity for immigration advisers to be regulated. This knowledge gap leaves these individuals exposed to potential scams, poor-quality advice, financial loss, and potentially disastrous impacts on their immigration outcomes.

Central to the campaign is a straightforward message: Before you trust them, check them. The IAA encourages individuals to utilise the free online Adviser Register, allowing them to verify whether an adviser is authorised to provide immigration advice. Gaon Hart, Immigration Services Commissioner, stated, "People seeking immigration advice are often vulnerable and under significant pressure and it’s vital that they receive urgent expert advice. Unfortunately, that can make them targets for unregulated advisers." He further emphasised the campaign's goal as providing “a simple way to protect themselves – by checking their adviser is properly authorised before placing their trust in them.”

Hart also noted that a fair and effective immigration system hinges on ensuring everyone receives the right advice promptly. The IAA sets and enforces professional standards for immigration advisers and actively pursues those operating outside the law or delivering subpar guidance. By encouraging people to verify an adviser’s credentials, the campaign aims to enable informed decisions and mitigate costly errors.

This nationwide campaign will be conducted via paid social media, digital platforms, and out-of-home advertising, with tailored content designed to reach those likely to seek help. The campaign materials are crafted to be clear, accessible, and reassuring, available in multiple languages to better serve diverse communities across the UK. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of regulation within the broader immigration advice sector, thereby bolstering confidence in advisers who comply with professional standards