Notario fraud refers to the practice of individuals—often calling themselves “notarios” or “immigration consultants”—illegally providing legal services without a license, often targeting immigrant communities.

Why Is It a Problem?

In many Latin American countries, a notario público is a licensed legal professional. But in the U.S., a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.

Some people exploit this confusion to:

  • Pretend they are lawyers
  • Charge high fees for services they are not qualified to provide
  • Submit incorrect or fraudulent paperwork that can harm your immigration case

Warning Signs

  • Guarantees of getting a green card or visa
  • Asking for cash with no receipt
  • Refusing to provide a written contract
  • Telling you to sign blank or incomplete forms
  • Filing applications without your consent

What to Do

  • Always use an accredited representative or a licensed immigration attorney
  • Report notario fraud to:
    • Your state attorney general
    • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
    • EOIR’s fraud prevention unit

This page is for informational purposes only and does not offer legal advice.

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