My personal info is used without my knowledge for tourist visa application

[Orkut 0]

Hi all.

I suspect my personal information is being used when applying for b1/b2 visa application in Russia. Why do I think so? Recently I filled out the online application for a close family member. The application was submitted electronically, then was printed at the local office, which handels the applications for the US Embassy in Moscow. The fee was paid and the person was called for an interview. At the interview the relative was asked several questions, which lead me to believe that the interviewing officer was concerned that "I frequently invite relatives to visit me". In fact I only invited one friend back in 2010 to visit me and the 2 year visa was issued without problems.

This time, visa was denied and the relative was sent home. There is absolutely no apparent reason why this person would be turned down - good job, family (wife and a kid) staying at home, owns real estate, travelled to the US before (1993) without overstaying, etc.

Again, based on the questions he was asked about the family, I suspect someone had used my personal information to apply for a visa. There might be more than 1 instance, because the officer asked the relative the name of my mother, father, sister, brother (which I do not have), uncles. When relative replied that I do not have sisters nor brothers, the officer checked in the computer and repeated the question one more time, then took notes, asked more questions, then after speaking to someone and denied the application.

I want to contact the embassy to ensure no future visas to be granted when my name is used on the application. What is the best way to handle this?

[Phantam 0]

I doubt that someone might have used your information for this... however to be on the safeside you should check with the US embassy in your country. Email should be enough to start this process...

Hi all.

I suspect my personal information is being used when applying for b1/b2 visa application in Russia. Why do I think so? Recently I filled out the online application for a close family member. The application was submitted electronically, then was printed at the local office, which handels the applications for the US Embassy in Moscow. The fee was paid and the person was called for an interview. At the interview the relative was asked several questions, which lead me to believe that the interviewing officer was concerned that "I frequently invite relatives to visit me". In fact I only invited one friend back in 2010 to visit me and the 2 year visa was issued without problems.

This time, visa was denied and the relative was sent home. There is absolutely no apparent reason why this person would be turned down - good job, family (wife and a kid) staying at home, owns real estate, travelled to the US before (1993) without overstaying, etc.

Again, based on the questions he was asked about the family, I suspect someone had used my personal information to apply for a visa. There might be more than 1 instance, because the officer asked the relative the name of my mother, father, sister, brother (which I do not have), uncles. When relative replied that I do not have sisters nor brothers, the officer checked in the computer and repeated the question one more time, then took notes, asked more questions, then after speaking to someone and denied the application.

I want to contact the embassy to ensure no future visas to be granted when my name is used on the application. What is the best way to handle this?

[Inky 1,111]

Sounds like a regular entrapment question for the visa interview. They ask things that are not true to see if the person will make mistakes and catch them in a lie or fraud.

Email or fax them, you should be able to find the information on their website as to how to contact them.

[Orkut 0]

I also thought the cause is with the entrapment questions, but then considering the negative outcome, I would say the reason is something else.

So the leading questions were pretty simple and in Russian.

1. What is your name?

2. Where do you work?

3. Where do you live?

4. Why are you going to the us?

Going to visit nephew

Then

4. What is your nephew's name?

5. What does your nephew do?

6. When did you see your nephew last?

Summer 2011

7. Where?

In Moscow

8. Is he a US Citizen?

Yes

9. Have you been to the US before?

Yes

10. When and Why?

1993, travelled to East Coast to tour universities

11. Your brother (my father) lives in Moscow? The officer looks at the application where we stated the fact my father lives in US.

No, he lives in US

12. What does he do?

He teaches at a university

13. Does he live with or near your nephew?

35 miles apart. Provided the addresses

14. Your brother lives with his daughter?

He does not have a daughter

15. So your nephew does not have a sister?

No

15. Does he have any other siblings?

No

16. No sister or brothers?

No

17. Are you sure his brother is not living in Russia (looking in the computer, then paperwork)

I am sure

Walks away to speak with another officer, then returns

18. Why your brother (my father) is not the inviting party?

I was told to use my nephews information as I will be staying with him. I wish I could stay with my brother, but he lives in small apartment and my nephews place is more convenient

18. Who is paying for your trip?

I am

18. How did you submit this application?

Online, with my nephew, then pony express

19. Are you sure your nephew does not have any siblings?

I am sure, why?

19. Because our records indicate otherwise. I will need to speak to my supervisor.

Ok

That was pretty much it. Again, I was not there, but this is what I got. I am sad that my nephew was denied access to the USA, but I am more alarmed by the questions he was asked. Something is not right here. Not sure what it is.

[Inky 1,111]

He could try filing a FOIA to see if they will send him the papers that will inform as to why the denial was given.