The New York Department of State recently issued a warning, pointing out that criminals are taking advantage of complex immigration regulations, information asymmetry, and impersonating immigration officials, lawyers, and legal aid organizations to defraud new immigrants, obtaining personal information and money. Some cases even involve using Zoom, WhatsApp to fake USCIS interviews. The state government reminds the public to verify information through official channels to avoid falling into various immigration fraud traps.
The state government stated that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) typically only contact individuals via mail or official accounts and rarely through email. Moreover, these agencies do not communicate with the public through text messages, social media messages, or discuss cases with individuals, nor do they request payment via Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, or cryptocurrency. To check case status, individuals can log on to the link: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/
However, the Division of Consumer Protection and the Office for New Americans pointed out that there has been a rise in impersonation scams of immigration officials, fake law firms, phishing text messages and emails, illegal immigration services, and fraudulent activities using visa lottery as a pretext. A new type of scam has emerged where criminals advertise on social media, claiming to assist in applying for immigration benefits or arranging immigration interviews, even impersonating immigration officials for so-called “online interviews” via Zoom or WhatsApp. Victims often realize they have been deceived only after paying fees. To verify New York State attorney credentials: https://tinyurl.com/ms2uvy66; there have also been cases of individuals impersonating law enforcement officers. Criminals impersonate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, demanding money at residences or workplaces under threat of deportation.
The state government reminds the public of their right to request law enforcement officers to present identification and a judicial warrant, urging them not to make immediate payments due to threats. Additionally, in remote immigration court hearings, the true immigration court uses the Cisco Webex system and not Zoom, WhatsApp, or FB Messenger for official hearings. USCIS officials and immigration judges do not appear simultaneously in the same interview or hearing proceedings.
New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley stated that many new immigrants work hard, follow regulations, and seek a better life but have become targets of fraud syndicates. Such behavior not only harms victims but also undermines the public’s trust in government service systems. He urged the public to remain vigilant, obtain information through credible and verified channels, and actively report suspicious activities.
The state government also warned the public to beware of phishing scams. Government agencies and legitimate service organizations do not suddenly notify individuals of visa or immigration issues via email or text message, request personal information, credit card details through social media, or ask for payment via gift cards, money transfer services, and payment apps.
Regarding immigration services, the state government emphasized that only licensed lawyers and Accredited Representatives certified by the U.S. Department of Justice can provide immigration legal advice. Translation companies, travel agencies, or agencies can assist in filling out forms and translating documents but cannot offer legal advice. Individuals should request a written service agreement and confirm that the service provider has a fixed business location.
The state government also warned that some individuals misuse the title of “Notary Public” to mislead immigrants. In the United States, a notary public does not equate to a lawyer and cannot represent individuals in immigration cases or provide legal advice. If someone claims to handle immigration cases as a notary public, individuals should be cautious.
Regarding the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program commonly known as the “Green Card Lottery,” the state government emphasized that applications are entirely free, and any claim to increase chances of selection or charge for representation may involve fraud.
The state government also reminded job seekers and vocational training participants not to pay any fees for guaranteed job referrals and to avoid participating in unapproved New York state educational programs that use high-pressure sales tactics.
The Office for New Americans stated that any immigrant in need, regardless of their status, can call the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 for assistance. The service hours are from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 5 pm on weekends, with all calls handled anonymously. The public can also report suspected immigration fraud cases through the hotline, which will be forwarded to the New York State Attorney General’s Office or district attorney’s office for further action.