We often hear of scams targeting seniors, business owners and even stay-at-home moms, but another group falling victim across the U.S. are those who seek help with immigration processes. While many individuals may claim to offer immigration (preparation) services, BBB finds that some are not authorized to provide the legal actions required and scam consumers by taking money without providing legitimate assistance.
Consumers are often victims of people who claim they are “competent in immigration law”, “authorized to provide immigration services”, or “affiliated with the U.S. government.” Victims of immigration service scams often face a huge loss of both time and money, while also increasing their risk of being detained or deported by U.S. officials if they are not provided legal counsel by an authorized entity.
“Over the years, BBB has received calls from consumers who paid thousands of dollars to a preparer who failed to submit their documents to USCIS, disappearing with both personal information and their money,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO.
Recognizing the negative effects of unauthorized immigration service providers, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently launched a campaign entitled “The Wrong Help Can Hurt,” to provide adequate resources and help identify dishonest practices.
BBB advises consumers in need of immigration services, to follow the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of immigration services scams:
· Don't go to a notario, notario público or a notary public for legal advice. While the word “notario” may refer to a powerful attorney in many Latin American countries, in the U.S., notarios are not lawyers and they are not authorized to provide legal advice or represent consumers at government agencies like the USCIS.
Only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a recognized organization by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) can provide legal advice. Consumers can also contact the Arizona State Bar for attorneys who can provide services free of charge or at minimal cost.
· Use a Certified Legal Document Preparer if you need help completing immigration forms. In Arizona, Certified Legal Document Preparers can help prepare legal documents without the supervision of an attorney; they may also provide general legal information but may not give legal advice.
· Beware of businesses or individuals who guarantee they can get you a Visa, Green Card or Employment Authorization Document. Also, be careful of individuals who claim to be affiliated or have special connections to USCIS.
· Never pay for blank government forms. Government forms are free, even though there is a charge associated with submitting the forms to USCIS. Free immigration forms can be found at USCIS’ website or by calling 1-800-870-3676. Consumers can also visit a local USCIS office to obtain free immigration forms.
· Never sign a form that is not filled out completely or correctly. If a form contains sections that do not apply to you, mark them with “N/A.” Also, if the form contains incorrect or false information do not sign it, as the applicant is responsible for the validity of the information on the document. Lastly, never sign a document that you don't understand.
· Don't let anyone keep your original documents, such as your birth certificate or passport. Scammers may keep them until you pay to get them back.
· Beware of emails or websites that claim they can help you enter or win the Visa lottery. One can only apply for a Visa lottery through an official government application process.
· Keep a copy of every form submitted to USCIS and keep a copy of every letter received from the government relating to your application or petition. USCIS will send you a receipt after receiving your documents. Make sure to keep it as it proves that they received your documents. You will also need the receipt to check on the status of your application or petition.
· Report scams. If you have been a victim of a scam report it to the Federal Trade Commission, the Attorney General’s Office, and your BBB.
For more information on how to avoid immigration scams, visit the USCIS website.
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