People preparing an immigration case are a target for scammers. USCIS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) give simple advice to avoid them.
The key reflexes
- Forms are free: download them at uscis.gov/forms or request them at 1-800-870-3676.
- A ‘notario’ is not a lawyer: in many countries the word means a legal professional; in the U.S., a notary public cannot give immigration advice.
- Only an attorney or an accredited representative can advise you on your case.
- Be wary of promises of guaranteed results or faster processing for a fee.
Reporting fraud
You can report fraud through the USCIS tip form or at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Keep your documents
Never let a third party keep your originals, and keep a copy of everything you sign and file.
This article is informational and is not legal advice.
Sources
This article is our own summary. Official sources : USCIS, Avoid Scams ; FTC, Consumer Advice.
