here how – NBC New York (47)

2023-05-10 17:06:31

Don’t become a victim of scams! If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure that the person offering you that guidance is licensed to practice as a licensed immigration attorney.

Scammers sharpen their hooks to attract people who are desperate to regularize their immigration status.

Scammers who promise to help immigrants obtain citizenship always gain ground when Congress presents new opportunities, and new executive actions are likely to inspire a significant increase in scams across the country.

One of the most common forms of fraud is that of the “notario,” which may provide certain limited legal services in many Latin American countries, but is not authorized to provide legal services or advice in the United States.

Immigration schemes and notary fraud can not only cost victims their savings, mishandled cases can also destroy all chances of obtaining immigration benefits and can even lead to deportation.

Notarios promise green cards and legal services at a fraction of the price, but the risk is not worth it. In addition, there are trusted organizations accredited by the US Department of Justice that dedicate resources to helping immigrants on their path to citizenship.

Language barriers often prevent communities from accessing valuable information that leads them to seek help from scammers, and fear of deportation can also prevent victims from coming forward for help when they have been scammed.

HOW TO VERIFY YOUR LAWYER’S CREDENTIALS

Before requesting the advice of an immigration lawyer, first verify that he is accredited and thoroughly review his record, since it depends on it that your case is not affected in the future.

Visit the following links in the tri-state region to verify your attorney’s credentials.

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

CONNECTICUT

For the rest of the states, visit the website of the American Bar Association.

Remember that there are certain procedures that you can do yourself online, such as:

Check the status of your case.

Current Case Processing Times.

Change of address.

DID YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS EMAIL?

Forward it to the USCIS Webmaster email box.

HAVE YOU BEEN A WITNESS TO IMMIGRATION SCAMS?

Notify the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). You can also submit a online complaint.

USCIS launched in March 2020 a new online form to help the public provide the agency with information about immigration fraud. The new online form is designed to facilitate the reporting process and collect the information investigators need.

Visit USCIS Report Fraud for more information.

In New York City you can fill a complaint in this way:

To file a complaint about immigration assistance service providers, call 3-1-1 and say “immigration service provider” or visit the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection website at nyc.gov/dca to file a complaint in your language. You do not have to give your name or immigration status to file a complaint.

To file a complaint about a lawyer, call 3-1-1 or visit the website of the court where you met the lawyer:

More here for New York Cityk.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Be aware that scammers:

• They try to confuse you by complicating the immigration process.
• They use social networks, email or phone calls to carry out their attacks.
• They pose as government officials to manipulate the victim into providing personal information.

Be careful with:

• Emails that look legitimate, but are from people you don’t know.
• Emails with incorrect typos and spelling errors.
• Emails that do not end in .gov and end in (.net, .org, .com or .info, for example).
• Suspicious emails that you don’t normally receive.
• Assistance offers to expedite your case for money.
• Promises of a quick profit.
• Download or open attachments from senders you don’t recognize.
• USCIS requests to transfer money to an individual or pay fees other than through your myUSCIS account.

To do

• Always ask questions, even if the provider was recommended by a family member or friend; You must have confidence in the provider.
• Ask for proof that the provider is a DOJ licensed or accredited/recognized attorney.
• Get a second opinion.
• Only go to suppliers that have a physical location.
• Request a written agreement that outlines the services to be provided and is signed by the provider; Please read the agreement before signing it and keep the signed copy for your records.
• Get copies of documents prepared for you.
• Ask for a written receipt that includes the provider’s name and address.

For more recommendations go here.