Know Your Rights: Protecting Yourself from Immigration Fraud and Notary Fraud

Immigrant communities, especially newly arrived Afghan families are often targeted by individuals who falsely claim to be lawyers, immigration experts, or “notarios.” These individuals take advantage of cultural misunderstandings, language barriers, and the urgent need for immigration help.

This guide explains how to recognize immigration fraud, how to protect your family, and how to report fraud safely and confidentially in California.

1. What Is Immigration Fraud?

Immigration fraud occurs when someone:

• Pretends to be an attorney or immigration expert but is not licensed.
• Charges money to prepare immigration forms without proper authorization.
• Gives legal advice even though they are not a lawyer.
• Promises guarantees—such as “I will get you a green card,” “I know someone at USCIS,” or “I can fix your case fast.”
• Files applications without your permission or uses false information.
• Keeps your original documents (passport, Taskera, I-94, etc.) as leverage.

Important:
Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative is legally allowed to give immigration legal advice in the U.S.

2. What Is Notary / “Notario” Fraud?

In Afghanistan, a “notary” (محضر) is a respected legal professional. But in the United States, a notary public is NOT a lawyer, cannot give legal advice, and cannot represent you in immigration matters.

Notary fraud happens when a notary public:

• Pretends to be an immigration lawyer.
• Accepts money for legal advice.
• Prepares immigration forms without proper training or authorization.
• Files applications incorrectly, causing denials, deportation risks, or permanent damage to your case.

3. Warning Signs of Immigration and Notary Fraud

Be cautious if someone:

• Calls themselves “Immigration Consultant,” “Advisor,” “Expert,” or “Notario.”
• Asks you to sign blank forms.
• Refuses to give you copies of what they file.
• Guarantees results (“Your asylum will be approved”).
• Charges large fees but will not give a written contract.
• Tells you not to speak to an attorney.
• Uses fear (“If you go to a lawyer, they will report you”).

If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

4. Who Is Allowed to Help with Immigration Cases?

You may ONLY receive immigration legal advice from:

1. Licensed Attorneys (State Bar licensed attorneys in any U.S. state).
2. DOJ-Accredited Representatives at recognized nonprofit organizations.

These individuals MUST:

• Give you a written contract.
• Provide you with copies of all forms submitted.
• Show you their Bar Number or DOJ accreditation.
• Never ask you to lie or sign blank forms.

You can verify attorneys at:
California State Bar: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/

5. How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Ask for Credentials

• Ask the person to show their California Bar license or DOJ accreditation.
• Verify online through the State Bar website.

Get Everything in Writing

• A written contract or retainer is your right.
• Ask for receipts for all payments.

Keep All Your Documents

• Never give your original passport, Taskera, Green Card, or I-94 to anyone.
• If documents must be scanned, wait and take them back immediately.

Review Everything Before Signing

• Do not sign blank forms.
• Ask for translations if you do not understand English.
• Always request copies of all forms before and after submission.

Do Not Share Personal Information with Unverified People

• Social media “immigration groups,” WhatsApp groups, and community forums may spread misinformation.
• Always verify with a licensed professional.

Get a Legal Consultation Immediately

A licensed immigration attorney can help assess the damage and fix incorrect filings.

Collect Evidence

• Receipts
• Contracts
• Messages
• Names and addresses
• Copies of incorrect filings

1. Report to the California State Bar (Attorney Fraud)

If someone claims to be a lawyer but is not licensed, or if a lawyer cheats you:

• California State Bar Complaint Form:
  https://www.calbar.ca.gov
• Phone: 1‑800‑843‑9053

1. Report Notary / Immigration Consultant Fraud

California regulates immigration consultants strictly. You can make reports to the following:

• California Secretary of State – Notary Public Section
  Phone: (916) 653‑3595
  Website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary
• California Attorney General – Consumer Protection
  Phone: (800) 952‑5225
  Website: https://oag.ca.gov/consumers
• California State Bar: 1‑800‑843‑9053
• FTC Fraud Reporting: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• USCIS Fraud Reporting: uscis.gov/report-fraud
• Local Police (Non-Emergency): Your city police department

American Bar Association (ABA) – Commission on Immigration

• If you believe someone has been harmed by notario fraud or the unauthorized practice of immigration law, you may also report concerns to the ABA:
• Email: immigration@americanbar.org
  Phone: 202-662-1000
  Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/immigration
  The ABA can provide guidance, resources, and referrals to legitimate legal assistance.

This is article producted by the Afghan-American Community Organization.