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Avoid Becoming the Victim of Immigration Fraud

"Immigration fraud" means immigration legal services-related scams that target vulnerable immigrant New Yorkers. Immigration fraud can be done by attorneys and non-attorneys. It can also be by others who engage in other fraudulent acts such as phone scams and impersonations threatening immigration consequences.

Immigration law is complicated. Beware of fraudulent providers who may indicate otherwise and make false promises, such as:

  • An easy way to obtain a green card
  • A way to get a work permit or visa immediately
  • Statements indicating there are no risks or consequences
  • Claims of special influence with immigration authorities

Below find more information on how to avoid becoming the victim of immigration fraud.

Free Immigration Fraud Informational Hotline

Have you been a victim of immigration legal fraud? Want to learn how to identify and avoid immigration service scams targeting the immigrant community?

New Yorkers can report fraud by calling 800-566-7636.

Download MOIA Beware of Fraud palm card flyers

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How to Avoid Fraud

If you need immigration legal advice, only go to a lawyer or someone who is accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) or an organization recognized by the DOJ.

Immigration assistance service providers are people or businesses that charge fees for any kind of immigration-related services. They are sometimes known as notarios públicos in Spanish-speaking communities, immigration "brokers," immigration "consultants," or "accountants" providing immigration assistance. Many immigration assistance service providers are not lawyers nor accredited/recognized by the DOJ and cannot give you legal advice. Learn more about what immigration assistance service providers can and cannot do for you.

What Not to Do

  • Do not pay for government application forms – forms are free and can be downloaded online at www.uscis.gov/forms
  • Do not give original documents – give copies instead
  • Do not sign any blank or incomplete forms
  • Do not sign papers, immigration forms, or contracts that you do not fully understand

What to Do

  • Always ask questions – even if the provider was recommended by a family member or friend; you should feel confident about the provider
  • Ask for proof that the provider is a licensed attorney or accredited/recognized by the DOJ
  • Get a second opinion
  • Only go to providers that have a physical location
  • Ask for a written agreement that describes the services to be provided and is signed by the provider – read the agreement before signing it, and keep the signed copy for your records
  • Get copies of documents prepared for you
  • Ask for a written receipt that includes the name and address of the provider

Filing a Complaint

To file a complaint about immigration assistance service providers, call 311 and say "immigration service provider" or visit the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection website at nyc.gov/dca to file a complaint in your language. You do not have to give your name or immigration status to make a complaint.

To file a complaint about an attorney, call 311 or visit the court website for the location where you met the attorney:

Connecting with Immigration Legal Help

Trustworthy, qualified immigration attorneys are available to assist you with immigration matters.

To schedule a legal screening, call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365, or call 311 and say "immigration legal services."

Additional Resources