Scammers use fake lawyers and court dates to steal immigrant money. What is this looking for?

Among the immigrants seeking a better life in the US, American dreams have been a nightmare recently.

The Trump administration is determined to deport undocumented people; Do they have a criminal history?the administration proposes that they try to deport the country. 1 million immigrants a year.

Naturally, even if you are legally an immigrant in the country, you may be feeling uneasy right now. The scammers know that. In fact, they rely on it – and have exploited the uncertainty and despair of immigrants to create a Cons designed to stay in the country.

“The scam landscape has become troubling and concrete by this week,” said attorney and founder Shane Lukado. inpersuit.coma website that helps people find lawyers. “The worst abuse I’ve seen today include immigration from new arrivals, language learners, or first-time people dealing with the US system.”

Immigration scams are popular now

Many scammers have abandoned strategies that pose as immigration and customs enforcement agents, Lukado said. These scams still exist, but criminals will pretend to take help from you in your case.

“Now they act like they’re by your side,” he said. “They say they work together USCIS (US Citizens and Immigration Services). They throw out the agency’s phone number. They use accurate government letterheads. And they say there is an error in your paperwork. ”

There really is no shortage of reported immigration fraud across the country. Spoiler alert: They all ask you to pay. Common immigration scams can include:

• Fake government officials Claiming it is part of the ice contacted immigrants in California and told them that they risk being deported but that they can avoid it if they pay the fine.
• Undocumented immigrants in Colorado Approved on social media WhatsApp by “immigration agents.” They set up a step-by-step Zoom reservation with USCIS agents providing asylum if the victim uses to make wire transfers cell Or Western Union.
• In New York Cityasylum seekers were advised by the fake lawyer to leave his in-person court hearing (the allegations that he could be deported) and attend an online hearing instead. The man paid his fake lawyer money in installments and fired nearly $5,000 before he found out he was being scamed. Meanwhile, he missed his real court hearing and was ordered to be deported.
• a Visa-related scams What makes the rounds nationwide is that Middle Eastern students live legally in the US, where fraudsters are targeted. They try to convince the victim that there is something wrong with the paperwork and may be sent home unless they pay.

How to avoid immigration scams

Scammers are more clever than ever at devising scams. Luckily there are a few Red flag You can search.

Too good for a real deal

If you’ve been stressed about your legal status for a while and suddenly, out of nowhere, you’re working with a company that sounds like all of your troubles will disappear soon, then you should be skeptical Marina Shepskia New York City-based lawyer specializing in immigration, visas, divorce and family law.

Listen to the phrase “quickly process.” This should trigger an alarm bell in your head. Similarly, anyone identifying themselves as a consultant, notary, or solo paralegal would probably be of no use.

You have been approached by phone, email or social media

It’s not that I couldn’t work with people who have a good reputation over the phone or email. In many situations, you can. But it matters whether you started a conversation or a so-called immigration expert or lawyer came to you.

“USCIS or Ice won’t make a warning call to you,” Shepelsky said. “They will just send you letters and tell you from our experience and will show up at your door.”

“Leave far away from phishing. Someone will send a text or email asking for personal information or payment under the disguise of official communication,” she added.

You feel pressured to pay

This is a classic red flag. But it’s a tactic that works well for con artists, as many undocumented immigrants feel that they are already under pressure to act in the current political climate. Often, scammers know a lot of your personal information, and sometimes even your case number.

“So when they talk to authority, your brain skips logic and goes into fixit mode. This is an emotional hijacking,” Lulad said. “They are targeting them between people applying for asylum, waiting for work permits, or processes stuck in a visa renewal loop.”

The payment method requested is strange

Scammers don’t like the paper marks that could lead to them, and tend to use payment methods that make it difficult for law enforcement to find them later.

No matter how much pressure you feel, don’t pay to anyone who has a gift card or a payment app like Zelle. Reputable governments and legal officers will not ask you to make payments like this. And if someone is threatening to deport you, they don’t ask for money at all. You will just be detained.

We’ll investigate the lawyers you hire

Immigrants navigate the judicial system should always work with qualified and licensed immigration lawyers. Shepelsky says most states have searchable online directories and bans for licensed lawyers.

The Department of Justice also has an online service List of immigration lawyers Someone who was rejected. They could be scammers even if they aren’t on the list, but that’s another way to check your attorney qualification.

Always search for the first and last name of the lawyer in the state directory they practice. American Bar Associationlink you to a directory of attorneys licensed in your state.

What to do if you fall into an immigration scam

In the aftermath of falling into a scamyou may feel too embarrassed to draw attention to yourself and avoid doing anything. But don’t do anything.

“If someone becomes a victim after paying $800 for a fake visa, you should collect all your receipts, screenshots and conversations,” Lukado said. “Transfer everything to the (state) Attorney General’s Office and the state bar. That filing usually causes enquiries within 30 days.”

If that’s what you’re given the current political situation, or if you feel you need more help, Lukado says there are free, low-cost legal clinics that may be able to help you.

Plus, you can Report immigration fraud to the state’s Consumer Protection Agency, according to USCIS. Reporting fraud also does not affect the application. Some states also allow anonymous complaints. You may not get your money back, but by fighting back, you make it It’s hard for a con man to deceive the next victim.