U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Sonya Tsiros, International Division ChiefBureau of Consular Affairs

Office of Fraud Prevention Programs (CA/FPP)

May 2012

Fraud Detection and Prevention

Fraud Prevention Programs (CA/FPP)

• Dedicated to providing resources, tools and information that enhance the ability to detect and deter passport and visa fraud. We contribute to U.S. border security through:

SupportTrainingTrend AnalysisDocument Security Interagency LiaisonConsular Integrity Division

Immigrant Visa Process

USCISPetition Approval

National Visa CenterCase Preparation

Embassy/Consulate Interview and Issuance

NVC Fraud Prevention Unit

Petition RevocationsPetition ReviewIntelligence Sharing with DHS and U.S.

Embassies/Consulates

Kentucky Consular Center (KCC)

Established in 2000 & located in Williamsburg, KY

Centralizing NIV Petition Processing for the DoS

Administers the Diversity Visa program

NIV Petition and DV Fraud Unit

Facial Recognition Center for DoS

U.S. Embassy/Consulate

In-Person InterviewLocal Document ExpertiseBiometrics and NamecheckVerification of IdentityVerification of Material Elements in Petition Ineligibilities?

IV Fraud Trends

Employment Fraud

Relationship Fraud

Marriage Fraud

Interesting Passport Fraud Facts

In FY2011 there were 2,497 referrals to Diplomatic Security for criminal investigation of passport fraud.

925 passport applications were confirmed as fraudulent.

The majority of the fraudsters used a genuine United States birth certificate.

Sonya TsirosTsirosSM@state.gov

Questions?