Protect Yourself from Immigration Fraud and Notario Fraud

Understanding Notario Fraud

Immigration is a complex and important issue that affects many people worldwide. When individuals seek to move to the United States, they often require help navigating complicated laws and procedures. Unfortunately, “notario fraud” is a common scam that targets those seeking immigration assistance.

What is Notario Fraud?

Notario fraud occurs when individuals falsely present themselves as legal experts, such as attorneys, to take advantage of immigrants. This often affects people who do not speak English fluently or come from countries where the term “notario” signifies a high level of legal authority. In the U.S., a notary public is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice.

Fraudulent notarios can cause serious harm by submitting incorrect forms, missing deadlines, or even providing false information without the immigrant’s knowledge. In some cases, they convince immigrants to sign blank forms, later filling them with misleading details that can lead to legal consequences. Many disappear after receiving payment, leaving immigrants without any support. This can result in losing the opportunity for legal status, facing deportation, or being permanently barred from seeking immigration relief. Victims also often lose substantial amounts of money for fraudulent services.

How to Keep Yourself Safe

  • Check Credentials: Ensure that anyone offering immigration legal services is a licensed attorney. You can verify their credentials with the state bar association. Search for a Maryland-barred attorney here. Note that an attorney can be licensed in any U.S. state or territory to practice immigration law.
  • Know What Notaries Do: In the U.S., notaries cannot provide immigration legal services. Notarios may call themselves immigration specialists, consultants, or experts, but they are not authorized to give legal advice.
  • Find Good Help: Seek out qualified attorneys or accredited nonprofit organizations with experience in immigration law.
  • Report Scams: If you believe you have been a victim of notario fraud, report it to the Maryland Attorney General’s office, the American Bar Association, or visit Stop Notario Fraud, which offers information in multiple languages.
  • Learn About Immigration: Educate yourself on the immigration process and your rights. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides free information and official forms.

How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams

  • Only seek advice from licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Notaries (“notarios”), individuals claiming to be experts, or foreign attorneys who are not licensed in the U.S. are not authorized to provide legal assistance.
  • Verify credentials. A licensed immigration attorney must be authorized to practice law in a U.S. state. Accredited representatives must work with a recognized nonprofit organization and have current accreditation from the BIA.
  • Never sign blank or incomplete forms. Always review your application thoroughly before signing.
  • Demand copies of all documents you sign. Keep records of any forms or paperwork submitted on your behalf.
  • Be skeptical of unrealistic promises. If someone guarantees fast or special immigration benefits, get a second opinion before proceeding.
  • Beware of social media and online scams. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • You cannot simply apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document). A work permit must be in relation to a pending immigration application.

Watch Out for Digital Scams

  • Government agencies do not contact individuals via WhatsApp or social media. If you receive a message claiming to be from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or any other government office, do not respond.
  • Phone scams are common. Except in limited circumstances (such as check-ins for individuals released from detention), U.S. immigration authorities will not call you directly.
  • Never share personal information or make payments over the phone. If someone claiming to be an immigration official requests money, it is a scam.
  • If in doubt, consult a qualified legal professional before taking action.

Understanding Your Immigration Rights

  • Simply living in the U.S. for a long time does not make you eligible for permanent residency unless you have continuously resided here since January 1, 1972.
  • Filing for an immigration benefit when you do not qualify could lead to removal proceedings and possible deportation.
  • Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) may lose their status if they commit certain crimes or remain outside the U.S. for more than six months without prior authorization.

Report Immigration Fraud

If you or someone you know has been a victim of immigration fraud, report it to the appropriate authorities:

For Maryland Residents:

  • Maryland Attorney General: Call 410-528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023.
  • American Bar Association: Visit Stop Notario Fraud for resources in multiple languages.

For more information on preventing immigration fraud, visit StopNotarioFraud.org.