The Church of England said vicars are receiving tips for spotting sham marriages arranged to help immigrants remain in Britain.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Rev. John Packer, bishop of Ripon and Leeds, said the tips are part of a crackdown by the church and England the British Home Office, The Sun reported Tuesday.

"The office of holy matrimony must not be misused," he said.

The tips include being on the lookout for couples who speak different languages, use notes when answering questions about their intended spouse or go home separately.

"The guidance is another step forward. Fraudsters should remember a marriage does not give automatic right to remain in the U.K.," Immigration Minister Damian Green said.