New York state officials are warning immigrants to be vigilant against a rise in scams targeting people navigating the U.S. immigration system.
The New York Department of State on Monday issued an alert highlighting how fraudsters exploit the complexity of immigration laws to steal money and personal information, particularly from individuals with limited English proficiency. The agency’s Division of Consumer Protection and Office for New Americans (ONA) also released guidance to help residents identify and avoid common schemes.
“It is unconscionable to exploit individuals who are working hard, playing by the rules and pursuing the promise of a better future,” Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said. “These scammers are not only taking advantage of vulnerable communities but they also undermine the trust in the very systems meant to support them.”
Officials said scammers often impersonate federal immigration authorities, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and immigration courts. Legitimate agencies typically communicate through official mail or verified online accounts and do not request payments via cash, gift cards, mobile payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
Authorities also warned about extortion schemes in which individuals posing as federal agents demand money under threats of deportation. In such cases, residents have the right to ask for a judicial warrant and verify identification before taking any action.
Another growing concern involves fraudulent legal services promoted on social media. Scammers may impersonate attorneys or nonprofit organizations, offering fake assistance with immigration applications or staging sham interviews via messaging platforms. Officials emphasized that immigration appointments are not scheduled through apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, and immigration judges do not conduct hearings on those platforms.
The department also cautioned against “notario” fraud, noting that notaries public in the United States are not necessarily attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in immigration proceedings. Only licensed attorneys or Department of Justice–accredited representatives are authorized to do so.
Other common scams include phishing attempts seeking personal or financial information, fraudulent diversity visa lottery services charging fees to apply, and fake job or training programs that require upfront payments or guarantee employment.
State officials urged immigrants to verify attorneys through official state databases, avoid paying for free immigration forms, and seek written agreements for services. They also encouraged reporting suspected fraud.
New Yorkers can contact the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-588-7636 for assistance or to report scams. The hotline operates daily and provides confidential support regardless of immigration status.
Established in 2012, the Office for New Americans has served more than 750,000 individuals through free services and community-based programs across the state.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
