How to Avoid Immigration Scams

Updated 2026-05-29 · General information, not legal advice.

Immigration is stressful, and scammers exploit that. Knowing the warning signs protects your money and your case.

Common Warning Signs

Someone guarantees a visa or green card, or "special connections" with USCIS.
A "notario" or consultant offers legal advice — in the US, a notary public is not a lawyer.
Pressure to pay cash, sign blank forms, or use false information.
They refuse to give a written contract or their license details.
Fake websites or emails asking for fees — official US fee sites end in .gov.

How to Find Real Help

Use a licensed attorney (check your state bar association).
Or a representative accredited by the US Department of Justice, working at a recognized organization.
Verify forms and fees only on uscis.gov and travel.state.gov.

Remember: Official US government forms are free to download, and no one can guarantee an outcome. If something feels too good to be true, pause and verify.

This site provides general information, not legal advice.