Scams against immigrants are unfortunately common and can cause significant harm. It’s important to be aware of these scams to protect yourself and your loved ones. In this blog, we’ll discuss some common scams and how to avoid them.
- Immigration Fraud: One of the most common scams against immigrants is immigration fraud. Scammers offer to help immigrants with their immigration status, often promising them legal status in exchange for a fee. However, these scammers are not licensed to practice law and can’t provide the services they promise. Some may even steal your personal information to commit identity theft.
How to avoid it: Only work with licensed immigration attorneys or accredited representatives. These individuals are authorized to provide legal advice and represent you in immigration proceedings. You can verify their credentials by checking the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) websites.
- Job Scams: Scammers often prey on immigrants by offering them job opportunities that seem too good to be true. They may ask for an upfront fee or personal information such as a social security number. These scams can lead to identity theft or the loss of money.
How to avoid it: Be cautious of job offers that require upfront fees or personal information. Research the company and ask for references before agreeing to anything. Also, be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true.
- Notario Scams: In some Latin American countries, a notario publico is a licensed attorney. However, in the US, a notary public is not the same as an attorney and cannot provide legal advice or representation. Scammers may pose as notarios and charge immigrants for legal services they cannot provide.
How to avoid it: Only work with licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Do not rely on a notary public for legal advice or representation.
- Phone Scams: Scammers may call immigrants claiming to be government officials, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and demand payment for immigration violations or threaten deportation.
How to avoid it: Government officials will not ask for payment over the phone. Do not provide personal information or money to someone claiming to be a government official over the phone.
- Tax Scams: Scammers may pose as IRS agents and demand payment for back taxes or threaten deportation.
How to avoid it: The IRS will not call you to demand payment over the phone. If you owe back taxes, you will receive a letter in the mail. Do not provide personal information or money to someone claiming to be an IRS agent over the phone.
It’s important to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with anyone who offers you help or asks for personal information or money. Always research the person or company and ask for references. If you suspect you have been the victim of a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general’s office. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.