{"id":352852,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:50","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/immigration-overview\/immigration-fraud.html"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:48:32","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T16:48:32","slug":"immigration-fraud","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-overview\/immigration-fraud.html","title":{"rendered":"Types of Immigration Fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Types of Immigration Fraud<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/meagan-neil-esq\/\">Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 27, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Immigration fraud occurs when individuals or businesses deceive applicants through fake services, unauthorized legal advice, or false promises of faster immigration benefits. These scams can lead to wasted money, delayed applications, or even serious immigration consequences like denial of status or removal proceedings.<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Securing work visas, adjusting immigration status, and other immigration matters can be confusing and overwhelming to those immigrating to the U.S. This is why some immigrants seek legal help with these processes. Although most immigration law practitioners are legitimate, some fraudsters attempt\u00a0to exploit those seeking legal services.<\/p>\n<p>Fraudulent services can delay an application or cost petitioners unnecessary fees. Sometimes, it can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal.html\">removal proceedings<\/a>, deportation, or adverse immigration consequences.<\/p>\n<p>This article covers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The most common forms of immigration fraud<\/li>\n<li>Tips for avoiding scams<\/li>\n<li>How to report immigration fraud<\/li>\n<li>Government initiatives that fight immigration fraud<\/li>\n<li>How to find <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">legitimate legal help<\/a> for an immigration issue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Understanding common fraud schemes and knowing how to report them can help protect you and your immigration case.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Types of Immigration Fraud<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes these scams promise expedited immigration services. We discuss other common types of immigration fraud below.<\/p>\n<h3>Businesses Promising Premium Services<\/h3>\n<p>Some businesses may offer premium services, even guarantees of visas, green cards, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/employment-based-visas.html\">employment authorization\u00a0documents<\/a>, or other immigration benefits. Typically, they charge a higher fee than USCIS would. Sometimes they involve immigration consultants who are not qualified to offer these services.<\/p>\n<p>They may even claim they can file and process your application faster than going directly through the federal agency. These claims are usually false and may constitute benefit fraud.<\/p>\n<p>While there are exceptions to USCIS&#8217;s normal <a href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/processing-times\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">application processing times<\/a>,\u00a0supposed immigration service providers cannot influence these time frames. A licensed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys\/find-an-immigration-lawyer.html\">immigration attorney<\/a> would be your best source of legal advice on these matters.<\/p>\n<h3>Non-Governmental Websites<\/h3>\n<p>Some websites offer specific, step-by-step instructions for filling out applications. They may also ask for a fee for downloadable immigration forms. Scammers often claim affiliation with the USCIS, although this is usually untrue. This false information can easily mislead applicants. In some cases, it can even lead to unintentional immigration consequences.<\/p>\n<p>Even if the instructions for the immigration procedure seem correct, make sure you refer to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USCIS website<\/a>. USCIS is an authoritative source of information. The website offers free downloadable immigration forms. These sites also have detailed instructions about processing times and filing fees.<\/p>\n<h3>Visa Lottery Claims<\/h3>\n<p>To encourage more applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S., the U.S. Department of State (DOS) offers 50,000 &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/immigrate\/diversity-visa-program-entry\/diversity-visa-submit-entry1.html?wcmmode=disabled\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diversity visas<\/a>&#8221; (DVs). Those who meet the eligibility requirements may receive these offers via random selection. Thus, claims to &#8220;guarantee&#8221; selection or improve one&#8217;s chances of getting a DV are always fraudulent.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, fraudulent offers come in the form of unsolicited emails or online advertisements. They often reference the terms &#8220;DV lottery,&#8221; &#8220;visa lottery,&#8221; or &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/warning-fraudulent-diversity-lottery-websites.html\">green card lottery<\/a>.&#8221; The only way to apply for the DV lottery is by filing an official application with the DOS, which does not send emails to applicants.<\/p>\n<h3>Identity Theft and Social Security Fraud<\/h3>\n<p>Another prevalent form of immigration fraud is identity theft and Social Security fraud. According to the Social Security Administration, identity theft is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/pubs\/EN-05-10064.pdf#:~:text=Identity%20theft%20is%20one%20of%20the%20fastest%20growing,to%20apply%20for%20more%20credit%20in%20your%20name.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">growing crime<\/a> nationwide. Here, a person may steal one&#8217;s identity for various purposes. But the most common goal is to work in the U.S. illegally or avoid deportation. This fraud can significantly affect the victim&#8217;s employment, credit, or tax records.<\/p>\n<h3>Services Offered by &#8216;Notario Publicos&#8217;<\/h3>\n<p>In the U.S., a notary public\u00a0is a person authorized to authenticate signatures on legal documents, among other duties. But a notary public is not necessarily a legal professional.<\/p>\n<p>In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, the Spanish translation of notary public is &#8220;notario publico.&#8221; Notario Publico refers to a legal professional authorized to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Practice law<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/arbitration-and-mediation-a-guide-to-alternative-dispute-resolution.html\">Mediate or arbitrate<\/a> disputes<\/li>\n<li>Issue judicial opinions<\/li>\n<li>Check the accuracy and integrity of certain legal documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the U.S., if a &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys\/should-i-use-a-notario-for-my-immigration-case.html\">notario publico<\/a>&#8221; promises to provide services related to immigration issues in ways they are not allowed to, it could be misrepresentation and illegal law practice. There may also be some confusion with the term not involving outright fraud.<\/p>\n<h2>Marriage Fraud<\/h2>\n<p>Although not related to legal services, one of the most common forms of immigration fraud is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/what-is-marriage-fraud.html\">marriage fraud<\/a>. This is when a foreign national marries a U.S. Citizen or a\u00a0lawful <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/lawful-permanent-resident-lpr-.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">permanent resident<\/a> to gain immigration benefits. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may sometimes participate in this scam. But they can also be an unsuspecting victim.<\/p>\n<p>The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/news\/releases\/top-story-ice-leading-nationwide-campaign-stop-marriage-fraud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marriage fraud seriously<\/a>. And if caught, the nonimmigrant (temporary visitor) may be deported. The parties may face charges if the marriage was entered into fraudulently, and both are aware of it.<\/p>\n<h2>Tips for Avoiding Immigration Fraud<\/h2>\n<p>Applying for a visa or adjusting one&#8217;s immigration status can be daunting. Especially for people who are unfamiliar with the immigration system and the law. Here are some tips to help you avoid some of the more common immigration scams:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>USCIS never charges a fee to download immigration forms. Forms are on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/all-forms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USCIS forms page<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Read all form instructions carefully and fill in all required fields.<\/li>\n<li>Remember to review your form, make sure you fully understand it, and sign it before sending it to the USCIS.<\/li>\n<li>Do not sign blank forms.<\/li>\n<li>Filing fees are accepted via money order, certified check, or credit card.<\/li>\n<li>Keep copies of all original documents, including forms filed with the USCIS.<\/li>\n<li>Get a receipt for any payment made to an immigration attorney or accredited representative.<\/li>\n<li>Verify your immigration attorney&#8217;s membership through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ailalawyer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AILA&#8217;s directory<\/a>). If you are working with an immigration lawyer, it is not always necessary for them to be licensed in your state, since immigration law is federal.<\/li>\n<li>Consider seeking a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">second opinion<\/a> if you have doubts about the professional handling your case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How To Report Immigration Scams<\/h2>\n<p>If you believe you have been the victim of immigration fraud, you may report the alleged scam. There are various government agencies where you can report fraud, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Report to the <a href=\"https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Trade Commission<\/a> (FTC)<\/li>\n<li>Report immigration benefit fraud and abuse to USCIS, using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/report-fraud\/uscis-tip-form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USCIS Tip Form<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Report the case to ICE, using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/tipline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ICE Tip Line<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/scams-fraud-and-misconduct\/avoid-scams\/report-immigration-scams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Report immigration services scams<\/a> to USCIS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This division of DHS enforces federal laws that involve border control, trade, customs, and immigration. These law enforcement agencies are also trained to handle these cases with confidentiality. They can also provide referrals to the proper authorities.<\/p>\n<p>Reporting an incident of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/scams-fraud-misconduct\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration fraud<\/a> will not affect your immigration case. Thus, you must take the necessary steps to properly handle your application or petition.<\/p>\n<p>The Department of Justice (DOJ), in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General, also provides resources to address immigration fraud. USCIS also offers a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/scams-fraud-and-misconduct\/avoid-scams\/report-immigration-scams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">state-by-state directory<\/a> of consumer protection offices and contact information for reporting suspected immigration fraud.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>How To Find Legitimate Legal Services<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re seeking immigration services, it is crucial to ensure that you&#8217;re speaking with a reputable professional. There are various ways to find reputable, legitimate legal help in your area:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get an attorney referral from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/state-bar-associations.html\">your state&#8217;s American Bar Association chapter<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FindLaw&#8217;s attorney directory<\/a> to find licensed, qualified legal advisors<\/li>\n<li>Find an immigration lawyer through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ailalawyer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Immigration Lawyers Association<\/a> (AILA)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Immigration fraud can affect your eligibility for a visa or naturalization. It can also potentially jeopardize your status as a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen. If you experience or suspect immigration fraud, talk to an experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration attorney<\/a> immediately. Any material relating to your case should be disclosed truthfully to an authorized attorney.<\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Do not be afraid to talk to an immigration lawyer\u2014<a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorney-client privilege<\/a>\u00a0prohibits them from sharing information about your immigration status. Their role is to help you, not act as an enforcement agent.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n    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class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some people can get a green card or complete immigration forms without hiring legal help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex 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FindLaw provides easy-to-understand information about common scams and how to report fraud.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352849,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2733],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352852","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-immigration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352852","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352852"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352852\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":395242,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352852\/revisions\/395242"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352852"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352852"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352852"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352852"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}