Avoiding immigration scams is essential in helping you successfully navigate the immigration process. Unfortunately, many scammers out there will attempt to commit immigration fraud and steal immigrants’ money or identities by pretending to be immigration officials or government agencies, making it important to be able to identify and report these scam attempts.
For additional help dealing with immigration scams, consult with the Chicago immigration lawyers at Cho Immigration Law by calling 312-853-3088.
How to Recognize and Avoid Common Immigration Scams
Immigration scams take many forms, which can make it difficult to recognize them when they show up. Many scammers take steps to appear like official immigration agencies and organizations, encouraging immigrants to take actions that ultimately can lead to lost money or identity theft.
The following are scams to watch for:
Individuals or Services Charging Unnecessary Fees for Visas or Forms
Immigrants need to go through the U.S. Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a U.S. consulate or embassy to obtain any type of visa. They also have easy access to necessary forms for free through official U.S. government websites.
However, some scammers will say that they can obtain a visa or a form for a fee, in which case you should reject these offers. The only fee you will ever need to pay regarding any form is the filing fee that a government entity will charge.
Offering to Increase Chances of Succeeding in the Green Card Lottery
Other scammers may state that they can help you more easily enter the green card lottery or make it easier to win, but you can only enter this lottery (also called the Diversity Immigrant Visa program) through the DHS, DOS, or an American embassy or consulate. Like other lotteries, the program is entirely randomized, meaning you won’t be able to increase your chances of winning.
Help Filing or Processing Applications
Services or websites could also offer to help you file or process your applications for a fee, but the only way to do so is to go through official U.S. government channels. You’ll need to apply for any visa application via the U.S. Department of State website and only when the agency is accepting registrations.
Who Immigration Scammers Pretend to Be
In many of these instances, scammers will pose as either U.S. government agencies or, in European or Latin American countries, “notarios.”
Notarios
While a notario is a term used to describe someone with legal experience and licensing with advanced degrees in immigration law, many scammers take advantage of this and claim that they are attorneys, when in reality they are neither licensed nor trained.
Whenever a “notario” claims to offer legal services, reject these offers. Instead, only go with immigration legal services attorneys who clearly advertise licensing and the ability to practice immigration law, with plenty of proven credentials and accreditation.
Also, whenever you encounter someone claiming to be a reputable immigration attorney, it helps to know what to ask an immigration lawyer, including questions about experience, licensing, and experience with cases like yours. A valid attorney will be able to consult with you in person to discuss his or her services before taking you on as a client.
Government Agency Reps
People may pose as representatives of various government agencies, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
For instance, a scammer might make calls or send emails claiming that an immigration applicant is experiencing issues with their application, either offering to resolve the issue for a fee or threatening to reject an application or deport the applicant if he or she doesn’t pay. Meanwhile, other scams could simply aim to collect personal information, including names, addresses, contact details, and social security numbers, or other sensitive details.
If anybody claims to be a licensed immigration attorney or a representative of any agency, conduct more research into the individual or agency to confirm the person’s identity. One step is to call USCIS or DOS.
Top Red Flags to Watch for When Dealing With Immigration Services
There are clear warning signs that often come with immigration fraud and other scam attempts. For example, you may be dealing with a scammer if you come across any of the following signs:
- Lack of Clarification: Scammers often make various empty promises to help you with your application or perform other services without detailing why you qualify for such services. A lack of clear explanation could indicate that the individual doesn’t truly understand your situation and is hoping to reel you in with vague offers.
- Information Contradicts Other Details: You may also encounter scammers who make claims that you face deportation or issues with your application, even though neither USCIS nor an immigration lawyer states that this is the case. Keep in mind that paying a fee normally won’t solve any problems you face or expedite processing at any point during the application process.
- False Guarantees: “Notarios” and others could, in addition to other empty promises, make “guarantees” that their services will give you the results you want, but this also is never the case. You’re never guaranteed to succeed with an application or other aspect of immigration, although qualified lawyers will do their best to help you achieve a favorable outcome with all legal services.
- Requesting Unconventional Forms of Payment: Whenever you pay filing fees or other types of fees for your application to USCIS or other government agencies, these agencies typically request secure money orders or checks. Meanwhile, scammers frequently request payment in the form of cryptocurrency and gift cards because these methods are often more difficult to trace.
How an Immigration Attorney Can Help You Avoid Scams
If you’re concerned about scams compromising your application or otherwise negatively impacting you, it’s in your best interest to work with an immigration attorney for scam prevention. A good attorney can help with identifying and avoiding immigration scams of all kinds.
While it’s important for individuals to report all immigration scams they encounter, a recent study on over 2,300 immigration-related scams revealed that noncitizens were more inclined to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in areas with more support for noncitizens and immigrants. This further illustrates the key role of immigration legal services attorneys and other advocates in helping to bring scammers to justice.
Here are some of the ways you can benefit from hiring an experienced immigration lawyer:
Understand Your Rights
In addition to helping with avoiding immigration scams, a reliable lawyer will carefully explain your legal rights when getting deported or facing any other issue as an immigration applicant or current immigrant. You should always know what legal steps you can take to resolve issues, and no service or individual will charge an upfront online fee to relay those—qualified attorneys will only charge you a fee upon signing a retainer agreement.
Identify and Avoid Scams
With an attorney by your side, you can quickly and easily determine whether apparent scam attempts that come your way are what they appear. An attorney can review communications, contact legitimate government agencies, and confirm your current status. In addition, an attorney can help you report scam attempts to the FTC to help prevent future attempts from the same scammer.
Prepare and File Application Paperwork
Your attorney will work with you to prepare all necessary immigration documentation and submit it to USCIS or another agency. At the same time, he or she will never charge outside a retainer fee or other clearly established fees beforehand for such services, and you will only need to pay filing fees, biometric fees, or other designated fees for government services.
Appeal a Denial
There are reasons immigration applications are denied under USCIS, and one of them can include an error on the part of government officials. In the event of wrongful denial, a lawyer could help you appeal the decision with a clear explanation regarding the error.
Get in Touch With a Chicago Immigration Attorney Today
For help avoiding immigration scams or general assistance with any aspect of immigration law, have a reliable attorney available for consultation. The right lawyer can help with immigration issues and mitigate the risk of scams throughout the application process.
For legal help from an experienced attorney, turn to Cho Immigration Law. Simply contact us today to learn what we can do for you as dependable representatives.
