Immigration Scams
AVOID IMMIGRATION SCAMS AND FRAUD
Beware of immigration scams! Immigration consultants and "notarios" are not lawyers.
It is illegal for immigration consultants to:
- Pretend to be a lawyer or give you immigration advice
- Represent you in court
- Tell you which forms to fill out
- Keep your original documents
- Charge money to refer you to a lawyer
A "bonded" immigration consultant can only:
- Give you forms and help you fill them out
- Translate questions and answers for forms
- Help you collect documents
"Bonded" means the immigration consultant has posted a $100,000 bond with the California Secretary of State.
Is your consultant bonded?
(916) 653-4984
Learn more about immigration consultants
REPORT A SCAM OR FRAUD
File a complaint if you are the victim of a scam or fraud by a notario or immigration consultant:
California State Bar
(800) 843-9053 (file a complaint)
(866) 879-4532 (immigration hotline)
File a Complaint Against a Business/Company
California Department of Justice
(888) 587-0557
If you live in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Jose, file a complaint:
San Francisco District Attorney's Office
Consumer Mediation Unit
(415) 551-9595
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
(800) 593-8222
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office
Notario Fraud Unit
(408) 808-4599
(408) 808-4431 (anonymous calls)
tips@Sheriff.sccgov.org
START A CASE
You may be able to bring a civil or small claims case in a California court. For more information, contact:
Small Claims Advisors
Self-Help Centers