Immigration scams: how to recognize them

Who are "notarios"

In Latin America and parts of the former Soviet Union, a notario público or "notary" is a highly qualified lawyer. In the United States, a notary public is something completely different — a person authorized only to witness signatures. Filling out immigration forms on your behalf, representing your interests before USCIS, or appearing in immigration court is not within a notary's authority under U.S. law.

When an "immigration consultant" or "notary" promises to obtain asylum, a green card, or relief from removal, they are either engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, or going through the motions of preparing forms without understanding the consequences. Errors on those forms regularly cost people their case, lead to deportation, or trigger multi-year bars from re-entering the country.

Red flags — when to walk away

Any of these signals is reason to refuse the contract and verify who you are dealing with:

• "I guarantee a green card / asylum / a successful outcome." No one can guarantee a decision by USCIS or an immigration judge. For licensed attorneys this is a violation of the California Rules of Professional Conduct; for anyone else it is a hallmark of a scam.
• "We can do it in a week," "I have someone inside USCIS." USCIS officers decide cases under specific rules, not personal favors. Anyone promising results through "connections" is either misleading you or proposing something unlawful.
• Cash only, no receipt, no written agreement. A licensed attorney is required to provide an engagement letter and to process payments transparently.
• Refusal to provide a California Bar number or a license number from another state. A real attorney will always provide their Bar number; you can verify it online (see below).
• Filing forms in your name without your signature, or taking your original documents and refusing to return them — depending on the circumstances, this may constitute unauthorized practice of law or document fraud.
• Ads on social media without a firm name, office address, or Bar number. A reputable attorney does not hide behind a nickname.
• "You don't need to appear at the interview / hearing in person." Immigration interviews and court appearances require your physical presence. No one can "handle it through contacts" without you.

How to verify that you are dealing with a real attorney

This takes two minutes:

• California State Bar — attorney search. Go to apps.calbar.ca.gov/attorney/Licensee/Search and enter the name or Bar number. The status must say "Active," with no disciplinary actions. An "Inactive" attorney is not authorized to represent clients.
• Firm Bar number. A licensed attorney will display the Bar number on the website, in email signatures, and in the engagement letter. If you cannot find it anywhere, that is a warning sign.
• Office address. A real firm has a physical office. A P.O. Box without an address is a reason to ask questions.
• Written engagement agreement. California requires attorneys to provide a written engagement letter listing the fee, scope of services, attorney's credentials, and the client's right to terminate. If no agreement is offered — walk away.
• Disciplinary history. The California State Bar attorney profile shows past disciplinary actions. A pattern of complaints is a serious signal.

If you have already been harmed

Where to report — all of these channels are free:

• California State Bar — complaint against an attorney or someone holding themselves out as an attorney: calbar.ca.gov/Public/Complaints-Claims. Lawyer Referral Service: 1-866-442-2529.
• USCIS — Avoid Scams. Official USCIS page with links to reporting forms: uscis.gov/avoid-scams.
• FTC Report Fraud. The Federal Trade Commission accepts complaints about immigration scams: reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• California Department of Justice — Immigration Services Complaint. The state Attorney General accepts complaints against "immigration consultants": oag.ca.gov/immigrant/complaint.
• Local sheriff or police. If your documents have been taken and not returned, that is a criminal offense — file a police report.

Reports can be filed in English or Russian. California is a sanctuary state, and most state agencies do not share immigration data with federal immigration enforcement. If your immigration status is uncertain, discuss filing a complaint with an attorney first.

What a real immigration attorney looks like

Immigration law is federal, so an attorney licensed in any U.S. state can handle immigration matters nationwide. What a real attorney provides:

• Bar Association license in at least one state, in active status
• A written engagement agreement listing the fee, the scope of work, and termination terms
• Transparent payment — receipts, invoices, traceable payment methods
• Willingness to discuss risk — a real attorney will explain weaknesses in your case, not only promise success
• Personal representation — the attorney handles your matter, not an unlicensed "helper"
• Communication — the firm is reachable within reasonable time, especially before an interview or hearing

If you still have questions

Verifying your attorney and making an informed choice is the best protection from mistakes. If you want to confirm that your case is being handled by a licensed professional, or you are looking for an attorney from scratch — our office is open to assess the situation.

Law Offices of Jacob Shidaev — Jacob Shidaev, California State Bar #343616 (member in good standing), admitted to federal district courts in California and immigration courts nationwide. Email info@shidaev.com or call +1 (424) 558-4141. Consultations are paid; the purpose is to assess your situation and discuss what next steps make sense.