California Attorney General warns of scams targeting immigrant communities
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Attorney General Bonta issued a fraud alert targeting immigrant communities.
- Notario scams exploit confusion between U.S. notaries and Latin American legal roles.
- State agencies urge using licensed attorneys and nonprofits for immigration services.
Immigration enforcement in recent weeks has led to a consumer alert by California Attorney General Rob Bonta warning immigrant communities of scams, including notary, or notario, fraud.
Bonta issued an alert Friday cautioning immigrant communities to be wary of who they hire if they find themselves in need of immigration legal help or if a relative has been detained.
“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.”
Advocates in the Central Valley say immigrants are more susceptible to scams and fraud amid fears of mass deportations, falling prey to false promises of adjusting their legal status by notaries and tax preparers who are not immigration attorneys or accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services.
Undocumented immigrants and their families are vulnerable to unscrupulous people trying to take advantage of heightened fears and uncertainty of immigration raids resulting from President Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportation.
Bonta’s office would not say which parts of the state have reported cases of immigration fraud or how many complaints were filed because those complaints received “are considered confidential law enforcement records of the attorney general.”
“In California, we know that our immigrants are the backbone of our communities, a driving force behind our economy, and an essential part of our history as a state,” Bonta’s office said in an email. “With the President moving forward with his inhumane and destructive immigration agenda, the California Department of Justice will continue to ensure that the rights of our immigrant communities are respected and protected. Our consumer alert alerting Californians of notario fraud is a continuation of this work.”
Earlier this year, Bonta also warned of increased reports of people impersonating U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents across the state.
What is notario fraud?
In Hispanic countries, notarios publicos are highly trained legal professionals akin to attorneys who provide legal advice and draft legal documents.
In the United States, however, notaries are state-commissioned officials with narrow witnessing duties and much less discretion. Some unethical individuals exploit the confusion over these different roles to take advantage of unsuspecting immigrants. A notario público in the United States is not authorized to provide people with any legal services related to immigration.
Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give people legal advice or representation in immigration court.
The nonprofit Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative (CVIIC) has an immigration legal services directory that includes a list of nonprofit community organizations that offer a broad range of immigration-related services in the Central Valley.
How to protect yourself from immigration scams
The California Attorney General’s Office listed tips and resources to avoid scams. They include:
Confirm that anyone helping with your case is licensed or accredited. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. If someone claims they are licensed in California or another state and can practice immigration law, confirm they are licensed and in good standing in that particular state.
Go to a legitimate legal aid organization for free and low-cost legal assistance. Many nonprofit organizations provide free immigration help to low-income individuals. To find a legal immigration aid organization near you, go to lawhelpca.org or immigrationlawhelp.org.
Keep original documents in a safe place. Don’t give original documents to anyone unless you see proof that the government requires the original document. Make sure to have a trusted emergency contact who can access these documents.
Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails 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. Be skeptical of social media or other ads promising new or quick immigration help.
This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 1:32 PM.
