Immigration Scams

From America’s earliest days, immigrants have been exploited and cheated on their arrival to the U.S. Because everything was new to them, they often put their trust in the wrong people and paid a high price.

Unfortunately, that tradition continues to this day. New arrivals are targeted by unscrupulous individuals, who say they want to help immigrants, but are really after their money.

These are some of the types of fraud and misrepresentation you may be subjected to:

False Authorities

Someone will call you on the phone, claiming to be from USCIS, and asking you for your Social Security, credit card or passport number. They may identify problems in your records that need to be addressed, and demand money to fix these problems.

‘Notario Publico’

In many countries, a “notario” is a legitimate attorney. But in the U.S., it is easy to become a notary public, and they are used mainly to sign and validate documents. They are not lawyers and are not experts on immigration law in any way.

Business Scams

You will be offered USCIS services through these businesses, promising you quicker resolution to your applications than you can get through USCIS. These offers are rip-offs — don’t believe them. Deal directly with USCIS, or work with a lawyer who understands the system.

Online Scams

Many Internet “services” offer to sell you forms that you can get free directly from USCIS.

Lottery Scams

Every year, 50,000 Diversity Immigrant Visas are made available in a “visa lottery.” Be on the

lookout for Internet-based scammers promising to help you win this lottery for a fee. In all these immigration schemes, people represent themselves as something they are not, which is fraud, which is a crime. Always be aware that there are people like this out there, determined to separate you from your money, and delivering nothing of value.

Once a year, the Department of State (DOS) makes 50,000 diversity visas (DVs) available via random selection to persons meeting strict eligibility requirements and who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. During this time, it is common for immigration scammers in Texas and elsewhere to advertise in emails or websites.

There is one easy way of avoiding immigration scams. Protect yourself with the experience and assertiveness of one of the most trusted names in Dallas immigration law. Call Mark E. Jacobs, P.C., at 972-445-7577, or write to Mark using this email link.