Given all the attention that immigrants have been getting over the past several months, it’s incredibly disheartening that–on top of dealing with everything else–you might also fall victim to legal scams. Outside of attorneys, there’s numerous other people that you come across that don’t have your best interests in mind–especially notary publics. If you feel like you’ve been scammed or defrauded in this situation, Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can help. Set up a consultation today to talk about your options.
How Can I Avoid Getting Scammed By a Notary Public Operating an Immigration Office?
In the U.S., a notary public is not the same as an immigration attorney. In many countries, a “notario” has legal training—but here, notaries aren’t licensed to give legal advice. That’s where confusion—and scams—often begin. But there’s a few ways you can avoid falling victim:
- Check credentials – Only licensed immigration attorneys or accredited representatives can give legal immigration advice. Ask for proof.
- Be wary of big promises – If someone guarantees results—like getting your green card fast—it’s a red flag.
- Don’t sign anything you don’t understand – A real legal professional will explain every document in your language.
- Watch out for high fees – Notaries sometimes charge attorney-level prices without offering real legal help.
- Look them up – You can check if someone is a licensed attorney through your state bar or the Department of Justice’s accredited representative list.
If you think you’ve been misled by a notary or someone posing as a legal expert, it’s not just upsetting–it’s illegal. While you never want to be in this situation, it can happen easier than you might think. When it does, it’s all about knowing what you can do to respond in the right way.
What Should I Do If I Think I’ve Been Scammed by a Notary Public?
It can be embarrassing to be misled or duped by a notary public posing as an immigration attorney or office. But when it involves your immigration status, the stakes are raised considerably. First, know this: you’re not alone and it’s not a source of shame. Many immigrants have been taken advantage of by notary publics—or “notarios”—who pretend to offer legal help. If you do find yourself the victim, here’s what you should do:
- Stop working with them – If something feels off, trust your instincts. Don’t give them more documents, money, or personal information.
- Gather all your records – Save any receipts, forms, emails, text messages, or notes from your meetings. These details can help an attorney figure out exactly what happened and how to fix it.
- Report the scam – You can file a complaint with:
- the California Secretary of State (they license notaries)
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov
- Your local District Attorney’s office, especially if money was involved or you were asked to sign false documents.
- Talk to our team – After you contact our office, our team of licensed professionals can review your case, explain your rights, and help undo any damage—like missed deadlines, wrong forms, or denied applications.
Scams like this can delay your immigration status or even put you at risk of removal. But there are ways to correct the situation, especially if you act quickly.
Maison Law Immigration Lawyers Can Help You Through the Immigration Process in California
Being in a situation where you’ve been misled and scammed by a notary public posing as an immigration attorney or professional is the last thing you need if you’re trying to get through the process. At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we help people like you who’ve been misled by notaries get back on track. Set up a consultation today to get your immigration case back on firm ground.
