Immigration scams are on the rise, especially on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Many people impersonate immigration lawyers or representatives of non-profit organizations to deceive the community. These individuals use the names, logos, and photographs of legitimate organizations to appear legitimate. As a result, many families have lost thousands of dollars and, in some cases, jeopardized their immigration processes.

Understanding how these scams work can help you protect your money and your case.

How scammers operate

Scammers use different tactics to gain your trust. Some of the most common include:

• Impersonating lawyers or accredited representatives.
• Create fake Facebook pages or communicate via WhatsApp.
• Promising quick approvals or “guaranteed results”.
• To charge very high amounts of money, between $5,000 and $30,000.
• Do not submit any paperwork, submit false information, or even conduct fake "hearings" online.

If someone claiming to be a judge asks you for money to grant you immigration status, it's a scam. Usually, after receiving the money, the scammers disappear.

How to verify if a legal provider is legitimate

Before paying for immigration legal services, it is important that you take some precautions:

1. Verify the person and the organization.
   Look for accredited lawyers or representatives in reliable directories, such as:

• • AILA Lawyer Search
  • CLINIC Affiliate Directory
  • Immigration Advocates Network

2. Confirm that the person actually works for the organization they claim to represent.
   Research the organization yourself. Don't rely solely on links that are sent to you.
3. Be careful with ads on social media.
   Many scams begin with ads or messages on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp.
4. Request a written agreement or receipt.
   Legitimate legal providers always offer documentation.
5. Never pay with gift cards, unsecured payment apps, or cryptocurrencies.
   These methods are common in scams because they are difficult to trace.

What to do if you believe you were the victim of a scam

If you suspect someone has scammed you, you can still take action. Save all messages, receipts, and screenshots as evidence.

You can report immigration scams to the following agencies:

• EOIR Fraud Prevention Program: 
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• USCIS Reporting Form
• The New Jersey Attorney General's Office

If someone used the name of a lawyer or organization without permission, notify them immediately.

Reliable assistance at IACO

IACO Immigration and American Citizenship Organization is an organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to assist and represent individuals in immigration matters. Our team can provide you with reliable guidance and assistance with your immigration case.

If you need help or have questions about your immigration process, you can contact our office for assistance by calling 973-472-4648 or writing to the email address provided. info@iacoimmigration.org

You can also book one virtual consultation with our team to receive personalized guidance on your case.

Protecting yourself against scams is essential. Before paying for any legal immigration service, always verify that the person or organization is legitimate. This will help protect your money, your personal information, and your immigration process.