Avoiding immigration scams can be tricky because the process is already confusing and the stakes are high. Many people want to trust someone with a shortcut, and scammers know this. But most immigration scams follow a recognizable pattern, so learning what they look like makes them easier to spot and avoid.
5 Ways to Avoid Immigration Scams and Fraud
When people don’t know how to recognize and prevent immigration scams, those ploys are more likely to succeed. Here are five ways to avoid scams and fraud in the immigration process:
#1. Know This: Notario Doesn’t Mean U.S. Lawyer
A common scammer calls themselves a notario but offers legal advice they’re not qualified to give. In many Latin American and European countries, a “notario publico” is a highly respected legal professional. But in the United States, only a certified notary public can witness signatures. They’re not allowed to give legal advice, can’t represent you before USCIS, and can’t guide you on an immigration application.
WATCH FOR: Scammers who exploit the differences in definitions and present themselves as legal experts who charge significant fees to file incorrect paperwork.
#2. Don’t Pay Demands for Immediate Payment
If a USCIS official, ICE agent, or government representative calls or emails you demanding immediate payment or personal information, don’t bite. Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make the call appear to come from a legitimate number. What your phone or e-mail says proves nothing. The federal government will never call or e-mail you demanding payment over the phone, through Western Union, PayPal, MoneyGram, Venmo, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
WATCH FOR: Pay government fees directly through official channels, based on payment deadlines set beforehand.
#3. Look For the .gov Marker
Check that any website claiming to be official ends in .gov, not .com, .net, or .org. Just because a site looks connected to USCIS doesn’t mean it is, and pictures of American flags or the Statue of Liberty aren’t reliable signs of legitimacy. Only websites ending in .gov are official United States government websites.
WATCH FOR: Every official USCIS form is free to download, so stay away from websites charging you to download immigration forms.
#4. Avoid Pressure Tactics and Requests to Hold Documents
Be cautious of anyone asking for large upfront fees before doing any work. Also watch for scammers using pressure tactics to push you into immediate action. Fraudsters know that rushing you into a decision increases the chance of you making the wrong one. Legitimate attorneys and accredited representatives don’t do that, and they don’t ask you to hold on to your original documents instead of working from copies.
WATCH FOR: Be aware of anyone contacting you through social media offering legal help, since reliable immigration attorneys don’t solicit clients that way.
#5. Verify Credentials
Don’t trust anyone until you’ve verified their credentials. Licensed attorneys have a bar license number you can double-check with the TX State Bar Association. And accredited representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ) should be listed within the organization. Never rely solely on what someone tells you about themselves; confirm everything through an official channel.
WATCH FOR: Look up any websites for yourself rather than clicking on a link sent to you. And call the number listed on the official site if needed.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you believe you’ve been targeted by an immigration scam or fraud, report it immediately. USCIS allows you to file reports through a web page titled Scams, Fraud, and Misconduct. You can also report the incident more broadly through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Talk to Lamb & Turner to learn more.
If this scam involved someone practicing law or giving legal advice without authorization, you may be able to file something with EOIR’s Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program. And don’t worry about reporting a scam putting your immigration status at risk. If you weren’t knowingly involved in the wrongdoing, you usually have nothing to worry about.
Get Legitimate Legal Help with Lamb & Turner Immigration
Most immigration scams can be avoided, but the best defense is to never gamble on an unfamiliar name in the first place. Instead, work with a well-known immigration attorney from the start. Lamb & Turner represents clients in Houston, TX, and the surrounding communities, and we’re happy to help you determine if offers are legitimate or fraudulent.
Need questions answered before taking your next step? That’s what we’re here for. Contact Lamb & Turner today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the guidance you can trust.
