Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued a warning to Minnesota residents about immigration-related scams. This alert is part of the Attorney General’s monthly Scam Stopper series, which aims to protect consumers from various fraudulent activities.
"One unfortunate thing I’ve learned in fighting scammers is that they often target people in need or in search of assistance," said Attorney General Keith Ellison. "Right now, con artists posing as immigration attorneys are lying to, cheating, and stealing money from people who came to Minnesota to build a better life for themselves and contribute to our state. Please be on the lookout for these scams, spread the word about them, and if you uncover one, report it to the authorities."
The warning highlights how scammers impersonate immigration attorneys to deceive immigrant communities. These individuals promise legal services related to immigration, demand large upfront payments, and then disappear with the money.
Such scams not only result in financial loss but can also jeopardize an individual's chances of immigrating by mishandling paperwork or missing critical deadlines. The Attorney General advises that any contact from supposed lawyers via social media platforms like TikTok or WhatsApp should be treated with suspicion.
Ellison further warns against unusually low prices for legal services as potential red flags. He advises verifying any lawyer's credentials through state bar associations or contacting EOIR for those claiming to be accredited representatives.
Licensed attorneys and accredited representatives are required to provide clear explanations of legal options, maintain confidentiality, and keep clients informed about their cases. It is emphasized that "notarios" are not authorized to provide legal advice or file immigration papers in the U.S.
Consumers are reminded never to pay for government forms available for free at official sites like uscis.gov/forms/all-forms. Fake websites may appear legitimate but can be identified by checking for ".gov" in their web addresses.
For those seeking legitimate legal help, resources such as justice.gov and uscis.gov/avoid-scams/find-legal-services offer lists of authorized service providers. Additionally, reports of scams can be made directly to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office or online with the Federal Trade Commission.
Ellison encourages victims of scams not to feel embarrassed but instead report incidents promptly as a means of protecting others from similar frauds in the future.
For more details on avoiding immigration scams, resources are available through Attorney General Ellison's office.