Scams targeting immigrant communities are rising sharply in New York City and across the United States 🇺🇸, worrying officials and advocates as new arrivals face growing risks. As of July 2025, experts warn that these scams are becoming more common, more sophisticated, and harder to spot, putting immigrants’ money, legal status, and safety at risk.
Immigrant communities in New York City are especially vulnerable, with over 7,300 new arrivals from the southern border in recent months. Many of these newcomers do not know U.S. laws, have limited English skills, and are unfamiliar with the local culture. Scammers take advantage of this lack of knowledge, using fake legal services, threats, and false promises to steal money and personal information.
Types of Scams Affecting Immigrant Communities
Officials and advocates report several common scams targeting immigrants:
- Notario Fraud: Some people pretend to be licensed immigration attorneys or accredited representatives. They charge high fees for legal help but give wrong advice or do nothing at all. Victims may miss important deadlines or lose their chance for legal status.
- Impersonation of Government Officials: Scammers call or visit immigrants, pretending to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other agencies. They threaten arrest or deportation unless the victim pays money or gives personal details like Social Security numbers or bank information.
- False Promises of Guaranteed Visas or Green Cards: Some scammers claim they can guarantee a green card, visa, or citizenship for a fee. In reality, no one can promise these results, as immigration law is complex and decisions depend on many factors.
- Online and Social Media Scams: Increasingly, scammers use social media to contact immigrants. They may offer fake jobs, legal help, or investment opportunities. Many victims lose money after being contacted this way.
These scams are not limited to New York City or the United States 🇺🇸. INTERPOL’s June 2025 report shows that scam centers are growing worldwide. Victims from 66 countries are trafficked into scam operations, mainly in Southeast Asia, but also in West Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. These centers force people to run online scams, including those targeting immigrants.
Financial Losses and Impact
The financial toll of scams is staggering. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people in the United States 🇺🇸 lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024. Imposter scams—where someone pretends to be a trusted person or official—are the most common. Scammers often ask for payment by bank transfer or cryptocurrency, making it hard to recover lost money.
Investment scams alone caused $5.7 billion in losses in 2024. Job scams and fake employment agency scams, which often target immigrants looking for work, saw losses jump from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million in 2024.
Despite these huge numbers, experts believe the real impact is even greater. Many immigrants do not report scams because they fear the police, worry about their immigration status, or do not trust the system. Earlier FTC data showed only 400 to 700 reports of immigration scams per year, but this is likely just a small part of the problem.
Communities with better access to legal help and social services tend to report more scams. This suggests that building trust and support networks can help more victims come forward, making it easier to catch scammers and prevent future crimes.
Official Responses and Policy Developments
Government agencies and non-profit groups are working to fight scams and protect immigrant communities. In New York City, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs urges immigrants to seek legal help only from licensed attorneys or organizations approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ). This advice is echoed by experts across the country.
The FTC encourages everyone to report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps law enforcement track scam trends, warn others, and take action against scammers.
INTERPOL calls for a global response to the problem. The agency stresses the need for law enforcement agencies in different countries to share information and work together. Partnerships with non-profits and technology companies are also important to protect victims and break up scam networks.
Public awareness campaigns are another key tool. Consumer protection agencies warn immigrants to watch out for urgent payment demands, promises of guaranteed immigration benefits, and anyone claiming to be a government official without proper proof.
Practical Advice for Immigrants
Immigrants in New York City and elsewhere can take steps to protect themselves:
- Only seek legal help from licensed immigration attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives. You can find a list of approved representatives on the Department of Justice website.
- Be skeptical of anyone who promises guaranteed visa or citizenship results. No one can guarantee these outcomes.
- Never give personal information or payment to someone who contacts you out of the blue, even if they claim to be a government official. Real officials will never demand payment over the phone or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
- Report suspected scams to the FTC or local immigrant advocacy organizations. Reporting helps protect you and others.
- Get help from trusted community organizations. Many offer free or low-cost legal aid, language support, and help with paperwork.
Key Stakeholders and Expert Opinions
Shaina Coronel, Director of Communications at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, stresses the importance of using only accredited legal services. “Immigrants should always check the credentials of anyone offering legal help,” she says. “If you’re not sure, ask for proof or contact our office for guidance.”
Pedroza, a researcher who studies immigration scams, points out that strong social safety nets and legal aid make it easier for victims to report scams. “When people trust the system and know they’ll get help, they’re more likely to come forward,” he explains.
Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, highlights the global nature of scam centers. “These are not just local crimes—they are run by international networks,” he says. “We need countries to work together to stop them.”
Mark E. Jacobs, an immigration attorney, advises immigrants to always check attorney credentials and avoid anyone who makes promises that sound too good to be true. “If someone guarantees you a green card or says they have special connections, walk away,” he warns.
Background: Why Immigrants Are Targeted
Immigrants are often targeted by scammers for several reasons:
- Language Barriers: Many new arrivals do not speak English well, making it hard to understand official documents or spot fake ones.
- Lack of Knowledge: Immigrants may not know how the U.S. legal system works or what real government communication looks like.
- Fear and Distrust: Some immigrants fear the police or government because of experiences in their home countries. Others worry that reporting a scam could hurt their immigration case.
- Urgency: Scammers create a sense of panic, telling victims they must act fast to avoid arrest or deportation.
These factors make it easier for scammers to trick people and harder for victims to get help.
How Scams Affect Immigrant Communities
The effects of scams go beyond financial loss. Victims may lose their chance for legal status, face deportation, or become afraid to seek help in the future. Families can be separated, and entire communities may lose trust in the legal system.
For example, a family in New York City paid thousands of dollars to a fake attorney who promised to help them get green cards. Not only did they lose their savings, but they also missed important deadlines and now face removal proceedings. Stories like this are common, and the emotional toll can be devastating.
Scams also hurt the wider community. When people are afraid to report crimes, scammers become bolder and more people are victimized. This creates a cycle of fear and mistrust that is hard to break.
Solutions and Ways Forward
Officials and advocates agree that fighting scams requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Education: Ongoing public awareness campaigns help immigrants recognize scams and know where to get help. Materials in multiple languages and outreach through trusted community groups are key.
- Access to Legal Aid: Expanding free or low-cost legal services gives immigrants a safe place to turn for help. This reduces the temptation to use unlicensed or fake providers.
- Reporting and Enforcement: Making it easier to report scams and ensuring victims are protected from retaliation encourages more people to come forward. Law enforcement must take reports seriously and act quickly.
- International Cooperation: Since many scams are run by global networks, countries must work together to share information and shut down scam centers.
- Policy Updates: Governments can strengthen oversight of immigration legal service providers, making it harder for scammers to operate. This includes stricter licensing rules and regular checks on providers.
What Immigrants Should Do If Targeted
If you think you have been targeted by a scam:
- Do not pay or give personal information. Hang up or walk away.
- Save any messages, emails, or documents you received. These can help investigators.
- Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Contact a trusted community organization or legal aid group for help.
- If you have already paid money, contact your bank or credit card company right away.
Remember, real government officials will never ask for payment over the phone or threaten you with immediate arrest. If you are unsure, check with an official source before taking any action.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Experts predict that scam centers will continue to grow, especially in regions outside Southeast Asia. As scammers use new technology and tactics, it will become even more important for immigrants to stay informed and cautious.
Governments and non-profits are investing more in legal services and social safety nets. This should make it easier for immigrants to get help and report scams. International law enforcement agencies are also working more closely to break up trafficking and scam networks.
Public education campaigns will continue, with a focus on reaching the most vulnerable communities. Policy changes may also come, with stricter rules for legal service providers and better access to trustworthy resources.
Official Resources
For immigrants in New York City and across the United States 🇺🇸, several official resources are available:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Scam Reporting: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs: NYC government website
- Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representatives: DOJ Accredited Representatives List
- INTERPOL: INTERPOL website
Conclusion and Takeaways
Scams targeting immigrant communities in New York City and beyond are a growing threat, with serious financial and emotional consequences. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the best defense is knowledge: only trust licensed legal providers, never share personal information with strangers, and report scams to authorities. With stronger support networks, better education, and coordinated action, immigrant communities can protect themselves and help put an end to these harmful crimes.
If you or someone you know is affected, reach out to official resources and community organizations for help. Staying informed and connected is the best way to stay safe.
Learn Today
Notario Fraud → False claim to be licensed immigration attorneys or representatives charging for fake or no legal help.
Impersonation of Government Officials → Scammers posing as ICE or official agents to threaten victims for money or personal data.
Accredited Representatives → Individuals authorized by the DOJ to provide legal immigration services with verified credentials.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) → U.S. government agency protecting consumers by investigating and prosecuting scam operations.
Online Scam Centers → Global hubs forcing victims into running internet fraud, targeting immigrants and others worldwide.
This Article in a Nutshell
Scams targeting immigrants are increasing sharply in New York City and nationwide, exploiting language barriers and fear. Victims lose money and legal status. Using licensed attorneys, reporting scams, and community support are vital defenses against sophisticated fraud linked to global networks. Awareness is key to protection and prevention.
— By VisaVerge.com
