For many families, a move to the United States is the biggest dream of their lives. Fraudsters know this. They use hope, fear and confusion about complicated rules to take money, documents and sometimes a family’s entire future. Here is how the most common scams work and how to protect yourself.
Fake “Experts” and Notario Fraud
In many Latin American and European countries, a notary public is a licensed lawyer. In the United States, a notary has no authority to give legal advice or represent anyone before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or in immigration court. Scammers use that confusion and call themselves “notarios.”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says titles such as notary public, immigration consultant, visa specialist, document preparer and immigration expert do not mean legal authority. A dishonest helper may promise a work permit or a 10-year visa, file forms without the right skills, or give false advice that damages your case.
Fake Lawyers on Social Media
Scammers also pose as attorneys and non-profit legal services online. The New York Department of State warns that some work with partners who impersonate USCIS officials and immigration judges to stage a fake interview or hearing. The FTC issued a consumer alert about this in December 2024.
Fake Government Websites
Some websites copy the look of official pages, using flags, official-sounding names and copied graphics. Their goal is to charge you for things that are free. Every USCIS and Executive Office for Immigration Review form is free on the official government websites.
Visa Lottery Scams
The Diversity Visa program, often called the visa lottery, is run by the State Department, and entering is free. Scammers send emails saying you won, or charge fees to “process” a win, promise special access, or claim they can raise your chances. The State Department does not email people to say they were selected.
Fake USCIS Calls and Emails
Fraudsters also pretend to be immigration officials. They say there is a problem with your case, demand quick payment by gift card or wire transfer, and threaten arrest or deportation. Guidance from immigrant-support groups notes that [email protected] is a fraudulent email address.
Fake Job Offers
Another scheme offers a job in the United States and promises visa sponsorship. The fraudster then asks for fees for visa processing, placement or training before you travel.
Red Flags to Watch For
- They guarantee a visa, green card or specific result. No licensed attorney can promise this
- They claim special connections inside USCIS or with immigration judges
- Their fees are far lower than those of licensed attorneys
- They want to keep your original documents
- They ask you to pay for forms that are free
- They pressure you to pay immediately or in an unusual way, such as gift cards
How to Protect Your Family
- Use only official government websites and type the web address yourself
- Get help from a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice
- Never hand over original documents. Give copies
- Keep receipts and written agreements for every payment
- Check the Diversity Visa program’s current status on the State Department website before responding to any message about it
- Talk to a trusted family member before paying anyone
Where to Report Fraud
Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also submit a USCIS tip form, contact your state bar association if someone posed as a lawyer, tell local police, and file an internet scam report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Court-related scams can be reported to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and suspected trafficking can be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
