Immigration Fraud and Scams Targeting Immigrants: Recognizing and Avoiding Red Flags
Scammers target immigrants with promises of green cards, work permits, and visas. Here's how to recognize fraud and protect yourself.
Quick Answer
Common immigration scams include fake USCIS calls demanding money, notarios claiming they can practice immigration law (only attorneys can), visa lottery scams, fake job offers requiring fees, and marriage fraud schemes. Red flags: guarantees of approval, requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, wire transfer), pressure to act immediately, and unlicensed "consultants." Only hire licensed attorneys, verify credentials, never pay for government forms you can access free, and report scams to FTC.
Key Takeaways
Scammers target vulnerable immigrants with fear and false promises
USCIS never calls demanding immediate payment or threatens arrest
Only licensed attorneys can provide immigration legal advice
Notarios (notary publics) cannot practice immigration law
Government forms are free to download at uscis.gov
Report scams to FTC, state bar association, and local police
Key Takeaways
Scammers target vulnerable immigrants with fear and false promises
USCIS never calls demanding immediate payment or threatens arrest
Only licensed attorneys can provide immigration legal advice
Notarios (notary publics) cannot practice immigration law
Government forms are free to download at uscis.gov
Report scams to FTC, state bar association, and local police
Table of Content
Common Immigration Scams
Fake USCIS calls/emails: Scammer impersonates USCIS official, claims problem with case, demands immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfer, threatens arrest or deportation, and requests SSN or financial information.
Reality: USCIS communicates by mail. They don't call demanding money or threatening arrest. Never give payment or personal information to unexpected callers.
Notario fraud: "Notarios" in Latin America are legal professionals. In U.S., "notary public" is simply person authorized to witness signatures. Many immigrants confuse this and think U.S. notarios can practice immigration law.
Scam: Notary claims they can prepare immigration applications, charges fees for services only attorneys can provide, makes promises about case outcomes, and provides incorrect legal advice.
Reality: Only licensed attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives can provide immigration legal advice. Notaries cannot.
Visa lottery scams: Scammer claims you won diversity visa lottery, demands payment to "process" winnings, requests personal information, or charges for free lottery entry.
Reality: Diversity visa lottery entry is free at dvlottery.state.gov. Winners are notified by official letter from State Department, never by email or phone call. No payment needed to enter or claim winnings.
Fake job offers: Scammer offers job in U.S., claims they'll sponsor visa, requests fees for "visa processing," "job placement," or "training," and demands payment before you arrive.
Reality: Legitimate employers never charge for visa sponsorship. They pay all immigration fees.
Marriage fraud: Offer of arranged marriage to get green card in exchange for payment.
Reality: Marriage fraud is federal crime punishable by up to 5 years prison and $250,000 fine. USCIS investigates marriages carefully and denies/revokes green cards obtained through fraud.
Red Flags
Red Flag | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
Guarantee of approval | No one can guarantee immigration approval | Run away |
Pressure to act immediately | Scam tactic to prevent thinking | Take time to verify |
Payment via gift cards/wire transfer | Untraceable payment methods | Never pay this way |
Request for unusual fees | Charging for free services | Verify cost at uscis.gov |
Unlicensed "consultant" | Unauthorized practice of law | Hire licensed attorney only |
Too good to be true | Easy green card, quick process | Scam |
How to Verify Attorneys
Only hire licensed immigration attorneys. Verify credentials:
Attorney verification:
State bar website (every state has one)
American Immigration Lawyers Association (aila.org)
Ask for bar number and state license
Check for disciplinary actions
Meet in professional office (not parking lot, cafe)
DOJ-accredited representatives:
Work for recognized nonprofit organizations
List at justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-report
Don't work independently (must be through org)
Common "Services" That Are Free
Scammers charge for services available free:
Free from USCIS:
All forms downloadable at uscis.gov
General information about processes
Case status checking
Processing time information
Filing fee information
Never pay for:
USCIS forms themselves (forms are free, you pay filing fees when submitting)
"Priority processing" promises from anyone except USCIS premium processing
"Guaranteed approvals"
"Special connections" with USCIS
Protecting Yourself
Safe practices:
Only hire licensed attorneys
Get written contract for services
Never sign blank forms
Keep copies of everything
Pay by check or credit card (traceable)
Research typical costs before hiring
Don't make rushed decisions
Verify USCIS communications by calling official number
Verification resources:
USCIS official site: uscis.gov
State bar associations
BBB (Better Business Bureau)
FTC Scam Alerts: ftc.gov
What to Do If Scammed
Immediate actions:
Stop all contact with scammer
Report to local police
Report to FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report to State Attorney General
Report to state bar association (if fake attorney)
File complaint with USCIS if scammer impersonated them
Alert your bank/credit card company
Consider identity theft protection if SSN was shared
Recovery: Recovering money from scammers is difficult. Many operate internationally or disappear quickly. Report quickly increases chances of prosecution but rarely results in fund recovery.
Vulnerable Populations
Scammers especially target recent arrivals unfamiliar with U.S. system, non-English speakers, undocumented immigrants (fear of deportation), those desperate for status, and elderly immigrants.
Build awareness in your community. Share information about scams with other immigrants. Protect vulnerable community members.
Common Immigration Scams
Fake USCIS calls/emails: Scammer impersonates USCIS official, claims problem with case, demands immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfer, threatens arrest or deportation, and requests SSN or financial information.
Reality: USCIS communicates by mail. They don't call demanding money or threatening arrest. Never give payment or personal information to unexpected callers.
Notario fraud: "Notarios" in Latin America are legal professionals. In U.S., "notary public" is simply person authorized to witness signatures. Many immigrants confuse this and think U.S. notarios can practice immigration law.
Scam: Notary claims they can prepare immigration applications, charges fees for services only attorneys can provide, makes promises about case outcomes, and provides incorrect legal advice.
Reality: Only licensed attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives can provide immigration legal advice. Notaries cannot.
Visa lottery scams: Scammer claims you won diversity visa lottery, demands payment to "process" winnings, requests personal information, or charges for free lottery entry.
Reality: Diversity visa lottery entry is free at dvlottery.state.gov. Winners are notified by official letter from State Department, never by email or phone call. No payment needed to enter or claim winnings.
Fake job offers: Scammer offers job in U.S., claims they'll sponsor visa, requests fees for "visa processing," "job placement," or "training," and demands payment before you arrive.
Reality: Legitimate employers never charge for visa sponsorship. They pay all immigration fees.
Marriage fraud: Offer of arranged marriage to get green card in exchange for payment.
Reality: Marriage fraud is federal crime punishable by up to 5 years prison and $250,000 fine. USCIS investigates marriages carefully and denies/revokes green cards obtained through fraud.
Red Flags
Red Flag | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
Guarantee of approval | No one can guarantee immigration approval | Run away |
Pressure to act immediately | Scam tactic to prevent thinking | Take time to verify |
Payment via gift cards/wire transfer | Untraceable payment methods | Never pay this way |
Request for unusual fees | Charging for free services | Verify cost at uscis.gov |
Unlicensed "consultant" | Unauthorized practice of law | Hire licensed attorney only |
Too good to be true | Easy green card, quick process | Scam |
How to Verify Attorneys
Only hire licensed immigration attorneys. Verify credentials:
Attorney verification:
State bar website (every state has one)
American Immigration Lawyers Association (aila.org)
Ask for bar number and state license
Check for disciplinary actions
Meet in professional office (not parking lot, cafe)
DOJ-accredited representatives:
Work for recognized nonprofit organizations
List at justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-report
Don't work independently (must be through org)
Common "Services" That Are Free
Scammers charge for services available free:
Free from USCIS:
All forms downloadable at uscis.gov
General information about processes
Case status checking
Processing time information
Filing fee information
Never pay for:
USCIS forms themselves (forms are free, you pay filing fees when submitting)
"Priority processing" promises from anyone except USCIS premium processing
"Guaranteed approvals"
"Special connections" with USCIS
Protecting Yourself
Safe practices:
Only hire licensed attorneys
Get written contract for services
Never sign blank forms
Keep copies of everything
Pay by check or credit card (traceable)
Research typical costs before hiring
Don't make rushed decisions
Verify USCIS communications by calling official number
Verification resources:
USCIS official site: uscis.gov
State bar associations
BBB (Better Business Bureau)
FTC Scam Alerts: ftc.gov
What to Do If Scammed
Immediate actions:
Stop all contact with scammer
Report to local police
Report to FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report to State Attorney General
Report to state bar association (if fake attorney)
File complaint with USCIS if scammer impersonated them
Alert your bank/credit card company
Consider identity theft protection if SSN was shared
Recovery: Recovering money from scammers is difficult. Many operate internationally or disappear quickly. Report quickly increases chances of prosecution but rarely results in fund recovery.
Vulnerable Populations
Scammers especially target recent arrivals unfamiliar with U.S. system, non-English speakers, undocumented immigrants (fear of deportation), those desperate for status, and elderly immigrants.
Build awareness in your community. Share information about scams with other immigrants. Protect vulnerable community members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can USCIS call me about my case?
USCIS communicates by mail. They may call to schedule interviews but never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over phone.
Are notarios allowed to help with immigration?
U.S. notary publics can only witness signatures. They cannot provide immigration legal advice or prepare applications. Only attorneys can.
How much should immigration attorney cost?
Varies by case complexity. Simple cases: $1,500-$3,000. Complex cases: $5,000-$15,000+. Get written fee agreement before hiring.
What if someone guarantees my case will be approved?
No one can guarantee USCIS approval. This is major red flag. USCIS makes all decisions independently.
Where do I report immigration scams?
FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), local police, state attorney general, state bar association, and USCIS fraud hotline if applicable.
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