Spot Immigration Scams

Newly arrived immigrants in New York City often seek help completing immigration paperwork or navigating the immigration system. Unfortunately, many predatory Immigration Assistance Service Providers (ISP) – businesses that charge fees for any kind of immigration-related services – mislead consumers, charge excessive or illegal fees, falsely claim they can provide legal advice (including posing as attorneys when they are not), or unlawfully “guarantee” immigration results.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) enforces the New York City Consumer Protection Law (CPL), which broadly prohibits deceptive advertising and misleading business conduct. DCWP also enforces laws and rules specific to regulating ISP and conducts inspections throughout the five boroughs to ensure compliance and protect consumers from predatory practices.

Know the Red Flags

Red flags that it’s an immigration scam is when an ISP:

• Gives legal advice but isn’t a lawyer
• Won’t meet in person
• Only accepts Paypal, Venmo or Cash App
• Charges for free government forms
• Won’t sign a contract
• Promises fast results
• Tells you to sign blank forms

If you spot any of the 7 red flags, you can report violations and file a complaint to DCWP to take enforcement action.

If you plan to hire an ISP, know your Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Immigration Assistance Service Providers, available in multiple languages.

Community Partners: Use our digital toolkit to share messaging with your network so that they can spot and stop immigration scams.

Immigration Service Providers: Read our Inspection Checklist to learn what our inspectors look for and help avoid violations. View signs and templates to comply with law and rules.

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