How to Avoid Immigration Scams

Navigating the immigration process in the United States can be challenging, and unfortunately, there are people who take advantage of this situation to commit fraud. Immigration scams are a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for those seeking to legalize their status or bring their loved ones to the country. In today’s article, we provide key information to help you identify and avoid these scams, along with tips on how to protect yourself. 

What are the Most Common Immigration Scams? 

Immigration scams are fraudulent actions in which a person or company offers fake or misleading immigration services in exchange for money. These scams can take many forms, from “notarios” promising to resolve your case quickly, to fake lawyers or websites that mimic government agencies. Victims often lose large sums of money, and in some cases, their immigration status is compromised. 

The most common scams include: 

1. Fake Notarios: In many Spanish-speaking countries, “notarios” are legal professionals. However, in the United States, the term “notary public” refers to someone with very limited powers, such as certifying signatures. Some scammers pose as notarios in the Latin American sense, deceiving people into believing they can provide legal advice.

2. Fake or Unaccredited Lawyers: Some individuals present themselves as immigration lawyers when they are not licensed or accredited to practice law. Only licensed lawyers or representatives accredited by the Department of Justice (DOJ) are legally authorized to provide immigration advice.

3. Online Scams: Scammers create fake websites that resemble official government sites, such as USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). These sites may ask you to enter personal information or pay fees that are not actually required.

4. Promises of Guaranteed Results: No lawyer or notary can guarantee a favorable outcome in an immigration case. If someone promises guaranteed approval for your visa or status, it is likely a scam. 

How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams 

1. Verify Credentials: Before hiring an immigration lawyer, verify that they are accredited and licensed to practice in the U.S. You can check the attorney’s status with the state bar where they are licensed and verify their standing on the Department of Justice website. (Here you can insert the video you made verifying Isabel’s license)

2. Use Official Sources: Always use official U.S. government websites (like www.uscis.gov) for information on the immigration process and avoid fraudulent websites.

3. Do Not Sign Blank Documents: Never sign documents you do not fully understand or that are blank. A legitimate professional will explain the entire process and allow you to review the documents before signing.

4. Be Wary of Unusually High Fees: If someone charges excessively high fees for services that are typically free or low-cost (such as immigration forms), investigate before paying. U.S. government fees are clearly listed on official websites.

5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you have been a victim of an immigration scam, report it immediately to the authorities. You can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s immigration service. 

How Can We Verify That a Lawyer is Registered to Practice Immigration Law? 

To verify that a lawyer is registered and authorized to practice immigration law in the United States, you can follow these steps: 

1. Check Their State License:
   -State Bar Association: Every lawyer in the U.S. must be licensed by the Bar Association of the state where they practice. You can visit the website of the relevant state bar and search for the lawyer’s name in the database. This search will confirm whether the lawyer is in good standing and whether they have had any disciplinary actions against them.

2. ABA Lawyer Referral Directory:
   -The American Bar Association (ABA) website also offers a referral directory where you can search for lawyers and verify their credentials.
    
3. Consult the DOJ Registry:
   -The U.S. Department of Justice maintains a list of lawyers and accredited representatives authorized to practice immigration law before the EOIR. You can search the lawyer’s name on the EOIR website to verify they are registered and authorized to represent clients in immigration cases.

4. Check DOJ Accreditation:
   -In addition to lawyers, some nonprofit organizations have accredited representatives who can provide immigration legal services under the supervision of a lawyer. These representatives must be accredited by the DOJ, and this information can also be verified through EOIR.

5. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or State Attorney General’s Office:
   -If you have doubts about the legitimacy of a lawyer or representative, you can contact the FTC or your state’s Attorney General’s office to check if they have received complaints about the individual or firm in question. 

Verifying these credentials is crucial to avoid falling into the hands of scammers and to ensure that your immigration case is in good hands. 

Consequences of Falling Victim to an Immigration Scam 

1. Loss of Money: Victims can lose large sums of money without receiving any legitimate service in return. Scammers often charge high fees for fake or unnecessary services, and once they receive the payment, they disappear without a trace. In addition to the immediate financial loss, these victims often find themselves in even more desperate situations, having spent valuable resources that could have been used to get legitimate legal help.

2. Jeopardizing Your Legal Status: Falling for an immigration scam can have devastating consequences for your immigration status. Scammers often submit fake or incomplete documents on behalf of their victims, which can result in the rejection of your immigration application. Worse yet, submitting fraudulent documents can be seen as a deliberate attempt to deceive the government, which could lead to a criminal investigation against you. If it is determined that you have submitted false documents, you could face immediate deportation and be banned from re-entering the United States, even if you were unaware that the documents were fraudulent.

3. Future Legal Difficulties: Being a victim of an immigration scam can severely complicate your future efforts to obtain legal status in the United States. A history of failed or fraudulent attempts to obtain immigration benefits can stay on your record, making it more difficult to receive fair treatment in the future. Immigration authorities often review an applicant’s full history, and any sign of suspicious behavior or prior fraud attempts can lead to greater scrutiny and potential rejections of future applications. Additionally, if it is ever discovered that you attempted to enter the country with fraudulent documents, you could face a permanent entry ban, closing the door to any possibility of legally obtaining residency or citizenship in the future. 

Stay Informed and Protect Your Future 

The immigration process is complex, but with the right information and resources, you can avoid falling into immigration scams. Make sure to work only with accredited professionals and always verify any information before taking action. At Saavedra & Perez Law, we are here to help you navigate the immigration process safely and effectively. If you have any questions or need advice, do not hesitate to contact us. 

Protect your future and stay informed!