American Consulate in Cebu calling regarding I-129F visa petitions?

[nj27 2]

My fiancee received a call yesterday from someone claiming to be from the American Embassy's affiliate in Cebu.

It got my hopes up that our files were sent directly to the Embassy and skipped NVC (I saw a post from someone where this also happened). Does anyone know if this is true for the American Embassy in the Philippines? Has anyone been called regarding their fiancee visa petition?

The person who called my fiancee said that he is from the American Embassy affiliate in Cebu, that we are missing some documents, and that he will email her what we are missing and to send it notarized (still hasn't emailed), and once we provide the documents he will send the case back to NVC (this order doesnt make sense to me).

However, when I asked my fiancee which one of her cell phone numbers the consulate called, the one she said they called isnt the same number listed on my petition. I promptly had a one way screamfest with the shipping office that I used to send my financial documents a few days earlier, because her new number is listed on the completed forms. However they said my package was not opened and getting on a plane that night, so I am considering calling the local Embassy directly and asking if this is legit. I am leaning towards a scam and possible attempt at identity theft.

Just curious if anyone has experienced this before, or if this is a scam call.

Thanks in advance.

[Cha n Nel 1]

I wish I can help you with this since I am from Cebu but I have not experienced dealing with an embassy affiliate but bear in mind the embassy does operate a consular agency in Waterfront hotel in Lahug as stated http://manila.usembassy.gov/service.html. I suppose this is the case since historically Cebu does have an embassy years ago. I hope this helps

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Only Manila handles I-129F and K-1 visas, so "Cebu?" No, it's a prank call.

[Hank_ 9,174]

My fiancee received a call yesterday from someone claiming to be from the American Embassy's affiliate in Cebu.

It got my hopes up that our files were sent directly to the Embassy and skipped NVC (I saw a post from someone where this also happened). Does anyone know if this is true for the American Embassy in the Philippines? Has anyone been called regarding their fiancee visa petition?

The person who called my fiancee said that he is from the American Embassy affiliate in Cebu, that we are missing some documents, and that he will email her what we are missing and to send it notarized (still hasn't emailed), and once we provide the documents he will send the case back to NVC (this order doesnt make sense to me).

However, when I asked my fiancee which one of her cell phone numbers the consulate called, the one she said they called isnt the same number listed on my petition. I promptly had a one way screamfest with the shipping office that I used to send my financial documents a few days earlier, because her new number is listed on the completed forms. However they said my package was not opened and getting on a plane that night, so I am considering calling the local Embassy directly and asking if this is legit. I am leaning towards a scam and possible attempt at identity theft.

Just curious if anyone has experienced this before, or if this is a scam call.

Thanks in advance.

SCAM ... PRANK.

ALL I-129F petitions are forwarded from USCIS to NVC... there NVC does another review, the assigned MNL# is affixed to the file and it sent onward to USEM. Nothing is sent to Cebu.

Not sure what that call was, but judging from what you described I would say someone opened the package with the documents you sent your fiancé and is pulling a prank.

What service did you use for sending the documents?

[nj27 2]

It was LBC Express

I am also leaning towards prank call. I'll have the fiancee open the package on cam so I can see if they opened it and looked at my files. Its sealed in a bubble mailer with lots of tape, which was sealed inside LBC's own mailing bag with my handwriting. So if they opened it I will be able to tell.

I thought LBC express would be trustworthy and reliable but I'm really questioning that now.

SCAM ... PRANK.

ALL I-129F petitions are forwarded from USCIS to NVC... there NVC does another review, the assigned MNL# is affixed to the file and it sent onward to USEM. Nothing is sent to Cebu.

Not sure what that call was, but judging from what you described I would say someone opened the package with the documents you sent your fiancé and is pulling a prank.

What service did you use for sending the documents?

[Redicent 14]

Just for general information: Only one "embassy" is maitained by each country, usually in the capitol city of the host country. The other offices are "consulates".

[Darnell 8,479]

CEBU doesn't handle anything for Immigrant Visas, at all.

Manila IV, inside the US Embassy/Manila post, on the other hand, does.

I am leaning towards 'bit of social engineering', seems that someone has intercepted the stuff you sent to her and is looking at it, in some attempt to get more info, perhaps in an attempt to set up fradulent financial transactions.

But that's just a guess, on my part.

The exact minute you get a consular casefile number from NVC (starting with MNL) I highly recommend either of you set up an account on ustraveldocs and handle the rest of the business through that website.

In the interim, whilst yer waiting, find (and read) Hank_ 's handy-dandy neeto-keen (yet spiffy) guide to SuperFast K-1 visa Chasing at Manila IV.

Go Get Em, and Good Luck !

[apple21 953]

It could simply be someone who knows your fiancee trying to scam her because they know she has an American boyfriend who has a lot $$$.

Edited July 5, 2013 by apple21

[Hank_ 9,174]

I had that thought as well, not the first time a "friend" has done something like that. Seem to remember one person posting, some time back, that a so called friend had stole the visa package.

[April-n-Gary 17]

I would definately contact either the embassy or cousulate to report this, include as much information as possible, i.e. if you have the number they called from, the email address if you ever get it, etc. Usually the US govt takes these types of scams pretty serious.

[LoveLife2 5]

I am an IT Systems Admin for a major City in USA. To me it also seems that an info Phisher has got some personal information like a phone number but needs more to complete his scam. Relax but pls take caution and watch all your accounts. I would alert all my CC companies along with bank just to let them know that 'Suspicious activity' has been detected.