Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • Expat News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Healthcare
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • Expat News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Healthcare
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR BUILDING A LIFE ABROAD

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Plan B

Fake Citizenship by Investments

  • BY staffwriter
  • March 1, 2019
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Fake Citizenship by Investments

Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs are popping out all over the world right now, as every jurisdiction seems to be interested in taking advantage to inject some foreign investment into their capital. But, watch out… there are many fake citizenship by investment programs out there. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these fake citizenship by investment programs!

I have written extensively about this subject and will continue to do so as it is a booming business right now. The main reason behind this trend is that Americans are worried about what their financial future might hold and thus wish to diversify their citizenship options. But, there are those who will take advantage of the situation with fake citizenship by investment programs.

Donald Trump’s presidency has a number of Americans terrified of what is next and whether they should spend their remaining years in whatever country he leaves behind after his presidency ends. And this is true no matter your political bent… be you for or against, there is a great battle brewing.

For this reason, Americans are choosing to retire overseas. In just about every country on earth, you will see a community of American retirees and expats calling a foreign country home. I do not expect this to slow down one bit.

American retirees are not the only ones who see foreign territories as an alternative to whatever is happening in the United States. American investments into foreign territories have grown substantially in the last decade.

Many Americans see moving abroad as a way to expand their business by setting up shop in another country with a much lower minimum wage, or simply to position themselves in another part of the world to be more competitive.  

Other Americans are doing it to gain access to a second passport. This is done through an investment made sponsored by a government program. The success of this citizenship or residency by investment programs has led to some evildoers to create some fake ones, to trick American Investors.

Here are a few of the fake citizenship by investment scams we have seen in the last year. Note that these countries do have residency and/or second passport programs.

My point here is that some scammers and promoters have built fake marketing programs around these legitimate government offerings – so be careful when you select your representative least you fall for fake citizenship by investment program!

 

1. HUNGARY

Although Hungary is a fantastic choice for a second passport, don’t be fooled by any promoter or advertisement you see on the web. A while back a website, that rightfully so has been taken down, promoted citizenship by investment program where an individual would invest $100,000 dollars in bonds and obtain a second passport. This all seems great, the only problem was that it was fake. The reason that you could tell that it was fake, no matter how convincing the website was, is the low investment needed to participate. European citizenship by investment programs is much more expensive. Just rely on this simple life rule, if something seems too good to be true it probably is.

 

2. ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

The Caribbean offers many solid and low-cost citizenship by investment programs so it comes as no surprise to me that someone or a group of someone’s tried to take advantage of this and create a fake one. The government of the small Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda released a statement in which they told foreign investors to ignore a website offering services that were not backed by a government initiative. 

 

3. MEXICO

Even countries with relaxed immigration laws seem to attract scammers and those desperate to leave the United States. Of course, fake promoters in Mexico, the closest neighbour to the south, tried to make money offering fake citizenship by investment program.

A story was made public by a man who was sold a “Mexican Citizenship” for an undisclosed amount. The promise that the seller made to the buyer was that if he bought the document he could become a Mexican citizen in two weeks. This is absolutely ridiculous. Becoming a citizen anywhere in the world takes some time, and Mexico DOES NOT have a passport for purchase programs like St. Lucia or Dominica.

 

4. PANAMA

I don’t have the name of specific fake citizenship by investment program that promoted a second passport from Panama, but there have been a number of cases where an investor was duped by scammers. The reason being that Panama has several popular citizenship by investment programs and it would be easy to fool someone into believing the one they are promoting is real. Just because a country has an easy to navigate citizenship by investment programs, doesn’t mean they are all true.

These are just a few examples you should stay clear from, there are way more scammers and false programs out there so be careful. Contact us and we will happily recommend the best citizenship by investment program that best fits your needs.

Here is probably the most extensive ebook on Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Eliminating Your Taxes, Protecting Your Assets And Regaining Privacy Over Your Life And Investments. It is called The Ultimate Guide To Going Offshore.  Visit our bookstore to purchase it today!

 

Contact Author

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

Stay Ahead on Every Adventure! 

Stay updated with the World News on Escape Artist. Get all the travel news, international destinations, expat living, moving abroad, Lifestyle Tips, and digital nomad opportunities. Your next journey starts here—don’t miss a moment! Subscribe Now!

Fake Citizenship by Investments

Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs are popping out all over the world right now, as every jurisdiction seems to be interested in taking advantage to inject some foreign investment into their capital. But, watch out… there are many fake citizenship by investment programs out there. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these fake citizenship by investment programs!

I have written extensively about this subject and will continue to do so as it is a booming business right now. The main reason behind this trend is that Americans are worried about what their financial future might hold and thus wish to diversify their citizenship options. But, there are those who will take advantage of the situation with fake citizenship by investment programs.

Donald Trump’s presidency has a number of Americans terrified of what is next and whether they should spend their remaining years in whatever country he leaves behind after his presidency ends. And this is true no matter your political bent… be you for or against, there is a great battle brewing.

For this reason, Americans are choosing to retire overseas. In just about every country on earth, you will see a community of American retirees and expats calling a foreign country home. I do not expect this to slow down one bit.

American retirees are not the only ones who see foreign territories as an alternative to whatever is happening in the United States. American investments into foreign territories have grown substantially in the last decade.

Many Americans see moving abroad as a way to expand their business by setting up shop in another country with a much lower minimum wage, or simply to position themselves in another part of the world to be more competitive.  

Other Americans are doing it to gain access to a second passport. This is done through an investment made sponsored by a government program. The success of this citizenship or residency by investment programs has led to some evildoers to create some fake ones, to trick American Investors.

Here are a few of the fake citizenship by investment scams we have seen in the last year. Note that these countries do have residency and/or second passport programs.

My point here is that some scammers and promoters have built fake marketing programs around these legitimate government offerings – so be careful when you select your representative least you fall for fake citizenship by investment program!

 

1. HUNGARY

Although Hungary is a fantastic choice for a second passport, don’t be fooled by any promoter or advertisement you see on the web. A while back a website, that rightfully so has been taken down, promoted citizenship by investment program where an individual would invest $100,000 dollars in bonds and obtain a second passport. This all seems great, the only problem was that it was fake. The reason that you could tell that it was fake, no matter how convincing the website was, is the low investment needed to participate. European citizenship by investment programs is much more expensive. Just rely on this simple life rule, if something seems too good to be true it probably is.

If you'd like to read the full story, simply enter your email to subscribe to our newsletter.

For even more expert insights, unmissable resources, and exclusive invites, explore our premium subscription offers here.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


OR

Subscribe Now

Already a Subscriber? Click here to login

Subscription required

You've reached your limit of free articles. For full access to Escape Artist, and all of our insights on travel, moving abroad, and the digital nomad life, click here to Subscribe.

Already a Subscriber? Log in here

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • expats
  • safety and security
  • taxes
Previous Article
  • Your Plan B

What to Do if You Lose Your Passport While Traveling Abroad

  • BY Tyler Sorce
  • March 1, 2019
View Post
Next Article
  • Costa Rica

What you Should Know Before Moving to Costa Rica

  • BY staffwriter
  • March 1, 2019
View Post
You May Also Like
How to Secure Hungarian Citizenship Yourself Step-by-Step Guide
View Post
  • Second Citizenship
DIY How to Secure Hungarian Citizenship Yourself
  • BY Ethan Cohen & Learn Hungarian Anywhere
  • April 29, 2026
Magnifying glass focused on Estonia and the Baltic region on a printed map of Northern and Eastern Europe.
View Post
  • Second Citizenship
Estonia’s e-Residency and a New Kind of Nation
  • BY Ethan Rooney
  • April 29, 2026
Children touching bananas in the tropical climate of Costa Rica
View Post
  • Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica the Fresh Start Your Family Is Looking For?
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • April 27, 2026
Chess pieces on a board overlaid with financial charts and data visualizations representing strategic financial planning
View Post
  • Finance
Building a Resilient Banking Strategy for Life Abroad
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • April 22, 2026
Two students walking across a university campus at sunset, representing international schooling, higher education, and study abroad opportunities.
View Post
  • Second Residency
Raising Global Kids Without Breaking the Bank
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • April 22, 2026
Panama City skyline at night with illuminated towers, coastal boulevard, and light trails running along the waterfront
View Post
  • Plan B
Ready to Leave the US? These Countries Might Trump the American Dream
  • BY Emily Draper
  • April 20, 2026
Aerial view of a coastal Portuguese city with hotels, residential buildings, mountains, and the Atlantic shoreline stretching into the distance
View Post
  • Golden Visa
Exploring Currency Considerations for Portugal’s Golden Visa
  • BY Iva Slavtcheva
  • April 15, 2026
Evening street scene in Dubai with illuminated digital billboards, pedestrians, and modern skyscrapers rising in the background
View Post
  • Plan B
Geopolitical Risk and the Shift Beyond the Gulf
  • BY Luigi Wewege
  • April 8, 2026
Trending Posts
  • Panama City skyline at night with illuminated towers, coastal boulevard, and light trails running along the waterfront 1
    • Plan B
    Ready to Leave the US? These Countries Might Trump the American Dream
    • April 20, 2026
  • Two people sitting on a beach at sunset with waves rolling in and rocky coastline silhouetted against the golden sky 2
    • Costa Rica
    Why Some Expats Leave Costa Rica (and Others Stay Forever)
    • April 17, 2026
  • Chess pieces on a board overlaid with financial charts and data visualizations representing strategic financial planning 3
    • Finance
    Building a Resilient Banking Strategy for Life Abroad
    • April 22, 2026
  • People enjoying the summer at the beach at Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia 4
    • Europe
    Inside North Macedonia: Europe’s Most Unexpected Reinvention
    • April 24, 2026
  • Children touching bananas in the tropical climate of Costa Rica 5
    • Costa Rica
    Is Costa Rica the Fresh Start Your Family Is Looking For?
    • April 27, 2026
Know Before You Go
  • How to Secure Hungarian Citizenship Yourself Step-by-Step Guide 1
    • Second Citizenship
    DIY How to Secure Hungarian Citizenship Yourself
    • April 29, 2026
  • Children touching bananas in the tropical climate of Costa Rica 2
    • Costa Rica
    Is Costa Rica the Fresh Start Your Family Is Looking For?
    • April 27, 2026
  • People enjoying the summer at the beach at Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia 3
    • Europe
    Inside North Macedonia: Europe’s Most Unexpected Reinvention
    • April 24, 2026
  • Panama City skyline at night with illuminated towers, coastal boulevard, and light trails running along the waterfront 4
    • Plan B
    Ready to Leave the US? These Countries Might Trump the American Dream
    • April 20, 2026
  • Two people sitting on a beach at sunset with waves rolling in and rocky coastline silhouetted against the golden sky 5
    • Costa Rica
    Why Some Expats Leave Costa Rica (and Others Stay Forever)
    • April 17, 2026
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Escape Artist

The Newsletter for a
Life Beyond Borders

Practical insights and real stories for those building a life abroad, trusted by 75,000 readers worldwide.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Before you go, want $50 off your Summit registration?

Subscribe, and get $50 discount code for Plan B Summit registration.

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Newsletter Subscription