Carole....I don't know of this scam but I do know about Green Cards....and I can assure you they don't raffle them off. There are quotas by country and, depending on what country...there can be a very long waiting list.

I work mostly with people who come to the US on student visas, then get a year of practical training (employment) and then enter the H1B process. It takes six years after THAT to get a green card.

There are other ways to get one as well. I was working with a young man from China who was becoming very frustrated with the time the process was taking (and the corporate sponsorship needed.) I suggested he find a nice American girl and marry her....just kidding of course.

If you would like I can see what the quota is for New Zealand?