US embassy warns people of visa scams

The US embassy in Dublin is warning about a scam involving visas.

Officials at the embassy are investigating reports of fraudulent emails, websites and adverts offering Diversity Visas, and said under no circumstances should anyone send any money to any address in order to participate in a visa lottery.

The embassy said that while many private websites offer legitimate services to help people applying for US visas, other illegitimate firms claim to provide "visa services" as a cover for scams or identity theft.

The embassy is also cautioning that the use of US emblems including flags, eagles, monuments, or official seals do not necessarily indicate a U.S. Government website.