Scammed by a Visa Agency for My US B1/B2 Visa? How to Spot and Avoid These Frauds!

United States (B1/B2)
1

Hey everyone, I’m from India and was planning my first trip to the US on a B1/B2 visa. I went through this agency called ATLYS to help with my application – they charged me a ton upfront and promised everything would be smooth. But now, they’ve messed up my documents, ignored my calls, and won’t refund or fix it. My interview is in two weeks, and I’m panicking! Has anyone dealt with scams like this? How do I avoid shady agencies in the future, and what steps should I take right now to correct this directly with the embassy? Any trusted alternatives? Thanks!

2

This happens more often than you’d think, especially with agencies that promise “smooth” US visa processing. For B1/B2 visas, the agency can’t actually do anything special — the US embassy only cares about your DS-160 and your interview. So don’t panic, you can still fix this completely on your own before the interview.

:white_check_mark: What to do right now

1. Take back control of your DS-160.
Ask ATLYS for the DS-160 confirmation number. They’re obligated to provide it since it’s your personal data.
If they refuse or stall, no problem — just fill out a new DS-160 yourself. Bring the new confirmation page to the interview; the embassy allows updated forms.

2. Make sure you control your USTravelDocs account.
Log in and confirm the email and phone number belong to you, not the agency.
If they created it using their email, change it immediately. If you can’t, contact USTravelDocs support — they can switch the account ownership.

3. Clean up your documents.
For the interview, you only need the basics:

  • Passport

  • DS-160 confirmation

  • Appointment letter

  • Supporting docs (bank statements, job proof, purpose of travel)
    The officer decides in 60–90 seconds based on your answers, not on a thick file.

:white_check_mark: How to avoid this in the future

For US visas, avoid any agency that:

  • Asks for full payment upfront

  • Takes control of your email/logins

  • Claims they can “ensure approval”

  • Fills out forms without showing you

  • Won’t provide your DS-160 confirmation number

The safest approach is always handling the DS-160 yourself or using someone reputable just for a review, not full control.

:star: Trusted alternatives

If you need help, look for:

  • A licensed immigration attorney (usually not necessary for tourists)

  • A transparent document-review service

  • Or ask the community here — most people get approved without any agency at all.

3

Man, that’s a horrible situation, I’m sorry :downcast_face_with_sweat: But the good thing is: your visa depends on you, not ATLYS.

If they messed up your form, just fix it yourself now:

  • Fill a new DS-160 on your own with correct details.

  • Update the DS-160 number in your profile if possible, or bring both and tell the officer,

    “The agency made mistakes so I submitted a new, accurate form myself.”

For the interview, forget the agency. Be clear and simple about: why you’re going, how long, who’s paying, and your ties to India (job, business, family, income). Carry basics: passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, job/finance proof, and any invite or trip plan.

On the ATLYS side, take screenshots of everything and try a card dispute/chargeback if they won’t refund, and leave honest reviews so others are warned :triangular_flag: