Scam Epidemic Targeting Immigrants

On March 27, Monica and Kati shared information about the alarming nature of contemporary immigration scams with a group of journalists during an American Community Media briefing.

Scammers, they explained, are profiting from today's climate of fear in immigrant communities by pretending to be lawyers who can help return detained people to their homes and families. They described how today's fraudsters make their claims seem real, impersonating actual lawyers or using fake attorney bar cards, fake judicial orders, fake receipts, and even holding phony virtual hearings.

Monica and Kati provided the following resources and tips for the public:

• Search for a lawyer using reputable lists such as those compiled by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, or the Immigration Advocates Network.

• Don’t use social media to find a lawyer and be wary of unsolicited contacts.

• Avoid notarios and tax experts if you need help with immigration services.

• Talk to other people in your community about scams. You may help them avoid losing money.

The full presentation is available here.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.