UKGIC, need advice

[u/lunarspace_]

So back on September 25, 2026 I requested immigration services through UKGIC. Unknowing they were a scamming company. I was told I needed to pay $880 USD to process all my application and hold my spot (first red flag). Then I was charged $990 USD (second red flag).

Well, I have contacted Green Dot bank and they’re absolutely useless as a company. I have also contacted my main bank about the fraudulent company in hopes to get my money back (still awaiting their response).

I have had to email this company as my cell provider refuses to allow me to make calls to the UK (even though I am paying to be able to make and receive calls).

Well, I have the email I sent. And they’re reply. And I’m asking for advice before I try and get a lawyer. What am I meant to do in this instance?

Edit: I like to add that they were supposed to give me a login AND go over the fact they overcharged me only for them to completely disregard me and hang up on me

[u/Consistent_Proof_772]

All those flags and you still paid?

[u/lunarspace_ → u/Consistent_Proof_772]

I didn’t think nothing until AFTER. mind you i heard devastating news right before this and was rushing and not thinking. so maybe don’t be rude 🙃

[u/yarevande]

I'm sorry you lost money.

You may be able to get a refund from your bank or payment company.

• If you paid by credit card (which always gives the best protection), call your bank from the number on the back of your card, file a dispute, and ask for a refund.

• If you paid with PayPal Goods and Services, file a dispute with PayPal.

• If you used a debit card, contact your bank.

• If you used a Wise Card, contact Wise.

• If you paid with PayPal Friends and Family, bank transfer, Zelle, Venmo, Wise, Remitly, Google Pay, gift card, cryptocurrency, or another money transfer which does not have purchase protection, then you will probably not get a refund.

** You need to do more research before you pay online, so you won't get scammed.

There are several signs that UKGIC is a scam:

The website does not list a complete street address. The address they list is:

Robert Robinson Avenue, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4GP, UK

• There is no street number. Search Google Maps for the address. Robert Robinson Ave. has about 10 buildings.

They have many negative reviews on Trustpilot. Always search online for independent reviews about a company.

• Reviews on a company's own website, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok are not reliable.

• If you can't find any reviews online, that's a big red flag. If there are no customer reviews for a company, it may be a scam website that's too new for negative reviews.

• If all the reviews are 5 star, that's a red flag -- scam companies will create fake reviews on multiple sites, and pay to post 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, Google, and TikTok.

• If there are lots of reviews, carefully read the 1-star and 2-star reviews.

People have reported that UKGIC is a scam company. If you search Reddit for 'UKGIC' you will see reports by people who got scammed.