Resources to Avoid Immigration Scams:
As previously stated, the best way to avoid falling prey to an immigration scam is to seek advice and representation from the right source. By law, only an eligible “attorney in good standing” or an “accredited representative” can give you legal advice or represent you. To learn more about determining if a person is an eligible “attorney in good standing” or an “accredited representative,” please click here.
In addition, here are a few more tips to help avoid immigration scams:
- Be wary of anyone who says they can “guarantee” a certain immigration benefit;
- Be suspicious of anyone who claims they can reduce published visa wait times;
- Be wary of anyone who says they have a connection with a government official, or the like;
- Before paying any fee, make sure you have a contract detailing the basics, including, services to be performed and attorney and other fees;
- Make sure to get a receipt for any payment you make to an attorney, accredited representative, or anyone else who helps you with your case; and,
- Be wary of anyone whose fees are substantially higher than the average attorney fees for the service to be performed.
Please also refer to the following links for more information on immigration scams:
- U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”): https://www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams;
- Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”): https://www.ftc.gov/; and,
- U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”): https://www.justice.gov/.
Contact Us:
If you have have been the victim of a scam or have any further questions on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may contact us by clicking here.