The immigration process is challenging enough without the added threat of scams. Unfortunately, fraudsters often prey on vulnerable immigrants by pretending to offer legal help. From fake immigration agents to “notarios” misleading people about their qualifications, falling victim to these scams can cause delays and financial loss, and even jeopardize your legal status. If you need to discuss your immigration matter, call Fayad Law at 804-376-9550.
Here’s how to protect yourself from common immigration scams, including notarios, and how to ensure you’re working with a legitimate immigration law firm.
Common Immigration Scams to Watch Out For
1. After-Hours Calls and Money Requests
If you receive calls after business hours from someone claiming to be from your immigration lawyer’s office and asking for money, be cautious. Legitimate law firms don’t make late-night calls unless it’s an emergency, and they will never request money through services like Western Union or bank transfers to foreign accounts.
A real immigration law firm will never ask you to send funds to a foreign country, such as through Western Union to a bank in another country. This is a major red flag, and it’s best to contact your law firm directly if you receive such a request.
Tip: If someone makes this request, hang up and contact your law firm using the number on their official website to verify any claims.
2. Fake Immigration Officers
Scammers may pose as officers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), claiming you need to make an immediate payment to resolve an issue with your case.
USCIS will never call you to demand payment or threaten you with deportation. Payments to USCIS are always processed through official, secure channels, like their website, and they will send important updates by mail, and never by phone.
3. Unlicensed “Notarios Públicos
One of the most common scams involves notarios—unlicensed immigration consultants posing as legal professionals. In countries like Mexico and across Latin America, notarios públicos have legal training and can handle complex legal matters. However, in the U.S., notarios do not have the authority to represent you in legal cases, provide immigration advice, or file immigration paperwork on your behalf.
These notarios often advertise their services to immigrant communities, promising faster results at a lower cost. Unfortunately, many immigrants lose money and find their applications filled out incorrectly, putting their legal status at risk.
How to Avoid Notario Scams:
- Always work with a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative. You can verify a lawyer’s license through your state’s bar association.
- Be wary of anyone offering guarantees or special deals—no one can promise a specific outcome in immigration cases.
- Check if the person is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which ensures they adhere to strict ethical guidelines.
4. Too-Good-to-Be-True Promises
Beware of anyone who guarantees quick visa approval or promises special connections that can speed up your case. Immigration processes take time, and no legitimate attorney can guarantee success.
Always work with attorneys who provide honest, realistic advice about your immigration case.
How to Verify You’re Working with a Legitimate Immigration Law Firm
- Confirm Credentials
Make sure the person representing you is a licensed attorney or an accredited representative. You can verify a lawyer’s credentials through your state’s bar association or the U.S. Department of Justice’s list of accredited representatives.
Caution: Even though you can confirm credentials, it is important to know someone on the phone could be impersonating them.
Tip: It is best to reach out to the immigration firm directly and not accept calls from anyone you do not know or recognize.
- Check for Professional Communication
Legitimate immigration law firms communicate through official channels, such as business emails, letters, and phone calls during normal business hours. You should receive a written agreement detailing the services being offered and a breakdown of fees.
Note: It should also come from a professional email address and not a @yahoo or @gmail email address.
- Avoid Pressure to Pay
No legitimate firm will rush you into sending money via Western Union, bank transfers, or wire services. Scammers typically use these methods because once the money is sent, it’s nearly impossible to recover. Always get a detailed invoice and multiple payment options from a legitimate firm. Most immigration firms offer payment plans if you request them and do not force you to pay 100% of the amount (retainer) upfront.
Additional Tips to Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams and Notarios
- Do your research: Take the time to look up reviews, speak to past clients, and verify the attorney’s credentials before hiring anyone for your immigration case.
- Don’t give personal information over the phone, especially in unsolicited calls. Scammers may try to steal your identity by asking for your Social Security number, A-number, or payment details. Never provide this information to anyone other than your immigration lawyer or someone you know and recognize from their legal team.
- Beware of false promises: No immigration attorney can guarantee a result or promise faster processing for a fee.
- Always ask for written documentation: Make sure you have clear, written agreements for any legal services offered to you. This protects you from future disputes and ensures transparency.
What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted by a Scam
If you believe you’ve been the victim of an immigration scam or targeted by a notario, take these steps:
- Stop all communication with the person immediately.
- Contact your immigration lawyer immediately to alert them of the situation.
- Report the scam (If your immigration lawyer advises you to do so) to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Stay Informed and Safe from Immigration Scams and Notarios
Immigration scams, including those run by unlicensed notarios, are unfortunately common. Protect yourself by verifying that anyone offering legal help is licensed, transparent, and professional.
Never send money via Western Union or other untraceable methods, and always contact your attorney directly if you receive a suspicious request.
At Fayad Law, we are dedicated to guiding you through the immigration process with integrity and transparency. If you need help with your immigration case or have concerns about potential scams, contact us today at 804-376-9550 for a consultation.
