What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Scams targeting immigrants are becoming more common. Fraudsters are taking advantage of fear, uncertainty, and legal vulnerability to steal money, personal information, or even property. These scams can range from fake immigration consultants to impersonators posing as ICE agents or USCIS officials.
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
1. Impersonators of Government Officials or Lawyers
Scammers may pretend to be from USCIS, ICE, or law offices. They might call, text, or email demanding payment or personal information. Reminder: USCIS will never ask for money over the phone or email.
2. Fake Immigration Consultants and “Notarios”
In Latin America, “notarios” are highly trained legal professionals. But in the U.S., a notary public is not authorized to offer legal immigration advice/counsel. Beware of anyone offering legal help who is not a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.
3. Charging for Free Government Forms
Government immigration forms are free. You should never pay for access to these forms.
4. Fake Government Websites
Only trust websites ending in .gov. Some scammers set up look-alike websites to collect fees or personal data.
5. False Promises of Fast Results or Guaranteed Outcomes
If someone promises you quick citizenship, work permits, or “special pathways” in exchange for money—it’s likely a scam. Immigration is a legal process with no shortcuts.
Red Flags:
- Requests for money via phone, text, or email.
- Threats of deportation or arrest if you don’t pay quickly.
- Emails with suspicious links asking for personal information.
- Ads or social media posts that sound too good to be true.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never give personal info or payment to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
- Confirm the credentials of anyone offering immigration help.
- Don’t trust promises of guaranteed results.
- Get your legal advice from licensed immigration attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives.
A Message from Rivas & Associates:
At Rivas and Associates, we prioritize your security. Please be aware that we never send payment links, never request payments through social media platforms, and will never insist on a specific method or portal for payment. If you are ever unsure or have concerns, we encourage you to contact our office directly to confirm any communication and protect yourself from potential scams.
