Florida Not the Only State with Notarios
Well, we’ve been much ado about the notario situation in Florida, it has started to be addressed in another. Notario fraud has exploded in California and the attorney general wants to make sure everyone knows about it.
Notarios have become more active among immigrants, who are falling for the immigration scams that have become prevalent. For those who have not read our previous articles, notarios promise legal services that are not allowed under US law. These people are not trained on the law and cannot give advice.
A big hangup is that notario publicos can provide legal services in many of the countries affected by immigration. So, people fall for it more easily. The exception are lawyers, who are allowed to offer notario services, but are discouraged from using the name.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has now released a warning.
“Immigration scams, including notario fraud, prey on the hopes of safety and stability of our immigrant communities,” said Bonta. “Before hiring someone claiming to offer help with immigration matters or assistance locating a detained loved one, I urge people to familiarize themselves with existing resources that are often available at little or no cost and learn how to check that the individual is qualified to provide immigration help.”
Here is a sample of what not to do, according to the consumer alert.
DON’T
Do not hire an immigration consultant or a notary. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants – who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals – cannot do so. They cannot provide legal advice or direction with immigration forms, help you fill out forms, or assess your eligibility for different types of immigration relief. They also cannot speak to the government on your behalf. They can only do non-legal, clerical tasks, like translating information on forms.
Do not be persuaded by false promises or pressured to pay for immigration services.
Do not trust anyone who claims to be able to get special favors from the government or guarantees you a work permit or any other immigration benefit. Do not trust anyone who wants you to act immediately. Be skeptical of social media or other ads promising new or quick immigration help.
California Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General.
Do not sign anything until you understand what you are signing. Do no not agree to anything that is not put in writing and in a language you understand. If you are not fluent in the language the contract is in, ask that it be translated. You are entitled to a contract that lists all the services that will be provided and how much each service costs. Keep a copy of the contract and all receipts of your payments.
Do not pay for immigration forms. These forms can be accessed for free by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at uscis.gov/forms or (800) 870-3676.
Do not sign an immigration form that includes incorrect information or blanks. Before you sign any immigration forms, be sure that the forms are fully and accurately filled out. Don’t let anyone convince you to lie on a form or sign a blank form. Never sign anything until you understand what it says.
Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter. No federal or state agency, including USCIS, will ever ask for your personal information or payment over the phone, by email, or text.
There are actions to take in the consumer alert as well as resources.
In some ways, it is evident to avoid anyone who calls themselves a notario.
