Immigration Fraud

If you or someone you know is a victim of immigration fraud, you're not alone, and help is available. This page provides local resources, legal assistance, and steps to take if you have been targeted by immigration scams.

What is immigration fraud?

Immigration fraud includes: 

• Being charged for services never provided

• Receiving legal advice from someone who is not licensed

• Being promised green cards or visas in exchange for money

• Having your documents falsified or withheld

• Unauthorized individuals charging for legal services

• Fake immigration consultants or "notarios"

• Misrepresentation in immigration applications

• Identity theft or document forgery

Agencies Providing Support:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS)

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer Protection Division

• Legal Aid Societies – Immigration units

• National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

• Victim Witness Assistance Programs (VWAP) – Usually within District Attorney’s Offices

• Local community-based immigrant advocacy organizations