How to protect yourself from notario and immigration scams

Who is allowed to give immigration legal advice, the warning signs of a scam, and where to report it.

Updated November 4, 2026 · Reviewed by Ettrick M. Campbell, Esq.

Every year, people in our communities lose money and sometimes their chance at legal status to "notarios," "consultants," and fake helpers. Here's how to protect yourself and your family.

Who is allowed to give immigration legal advice

Only:

  • A licensed attorney (you can look them up on your state's attorney search), or
  • A DOJ-accredited representative working for a recognized nonprofit organization.

A notary public in the U.S. is not a lawyer. In many Latin American countries a "notario" is a lawyer, and scammers use that confusion on purpose.

Warning signs

  • They guarantee you'll get a green card, work permit or citizenship.
  • They say they have a special connection at USCIS or the court.
  • They tell you to lie or leave things off a form.
  • They ask you to sign blank forms or forms you don't understand.
  • They keep your original documents (passport, birth certificate).
  • They don't give you a written contract or receipts.
  • They won't give you copies of what they filed.
  • They charge for "forms" that USCIS gives out for free.

Rules that protect you in New York

New York law regulates immigrant assistance service providers who aren't lawyers. They can't give legal advice, such as telling you which form to file or whether you qualify, and they must give you a written contract, post required signs, and return your original documents.

What to do if you've been scammed

  • Get your documents back and ask for copies of everything filed in your name.
  • Report it to the New York State Office for New Americans hotline (1-800-566-7636) or the New York Attorney General.
  • See a real attorney quickly. A bad filing can create deadlines or problems that need fixing.

A safer way to do your own forms

If your case is straightforward, you can fill out USCIS forms yourself. The forms are free at uscis.gov. Some people use form-preparation tools to do this in plain language. Choose one that tells you who's behind it, gives clear prices, and offers review by a licensed attorney if you want it.

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