Key Takeaways
• In June 2025, Colorado attorneys reported a surge in immigration scams targeting vulnerable immigrants nationwide.
• Common scams include government impersonation, notario fraud, fake promises, and extortion for money or information.
• Victims may qualify for U visas, offering protection if they help law enforcement with criminal investigations.
Immigration attorneys across the United States 🇺🇸 are sounding the alarm about a sharp rise in immigration scams targeting vulnerable immigrant communities. In June 2025, attorneys in Colorado reported a wave of new scams, with similar patterns seen in other states. These scams are taking advantage of increased fear and confusion as federal immigration enforcement ramps up under President Trump’s administration. Immigrants, desperate for safety and legal status, are being tricked into paying large sums for fake services, false promises, and even threats of deportation.
Surge in Immigration Scams: What’s Happening Now
In recent weeks, attorneys in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado have seen a spike in reports of scams and extortion aimed at immigrants. Jennifer Smith and Claire Noone, both based in Glenwood Springs, have been leading efforts to warn the community. They say scammers are using new tricks to steal money and personal information from people who are already facing tough situations.
“Unfortunately, the climate of fear and uncertainty has created a furtive landscape for lucrative scams,” said Noone. “People are desperate to find some solid footing — passports, visas, relief from deportation — and will pay through the nose for the opportunity.”
Smith shared stories of immigrants losing their life savings to these scams. “It breaks my heart when people come in and meet with us and they’re like, ‘But they sent me this piece of paper and I sent them $20,000.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s awful because this piece of paper is fake. It isn’t legit.’”
How Immigration Scams Work
Scammers use many different tricks to target immigrants. Some of the most common include:
- Blackmail and Extortion: Scammers threaten to report undocumented immigrants or those with uncertain status unless they pay money.
- Fake Promises: They offer to speed up visa or green card processing for a high fee, even though this is not possible.
- Impersonation: Some pretend to be attorneys, immigration agents, or consular officers and ask for wire transfers or other payments.
These scams are not limited to Colorado. Similar reports have come from across the United States 🇺🇸, showing that this is a nationwide problem.
Types of Immigration Scams
Government Impersonation
One of the most common scams involves people pretending to be Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers or other government officials. In March 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned about fake ICE officers contacting immigrants by phone, text, or email. These scammers claim there are problems with the person’s immigration status and demand immediate payment to avoid deportation.
Notario Fraud
“Notario fraud” is a scam that takes advantage of a misunderstanding. In many Latin American countries, a “notario público” is a trained legal professional, similar to an attorney. In the United States 🇺🇸, a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice or handle immigration cases. Scammers use this confusion to trick immigrants into paying for fake legal services.
Attorney Gina Amato from Public Counsel in Los Angeles explains, “It thrives in environments like we’re living in now, where there’s a lot of fear in the immigrant community, there’s a lot of information, and the community is under attack by the administration.”
False Promises and Guarantees
Some scammers promise “guaranteed” visa approvals, fast processing, or special access to immigration benefits. These offers are always fake. As immigration attorney Mark Jacobs said in April 2025, “There are no guarantees in immigration in 2025.”
Warning Signs: How to Spot an Immigration Scam
Immigration scams can be hard to spot, especially when scammers use official-looking documents and convincing stories. However, there are some clear warning signs:
- Requests for Unusual Payments: Scammers often ask for payment by gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps. Real government agencies never ask for payment this way.
- Pressure and Deadlines: If someone demands immediate payment or threatens you with a tight deadline, it’s likely a scam.
- Guaranteed Results: No one can guarantee a visa, green card, or work permit. Anyone who does is not being honest.
- Lack of Credentials: Real attorneys and legal representatives will show their credentials and are happy to prove who they are.
- Blank or Incomplete Forms: Never sign forms that are blank or not fully filled out.
- No Written Agreements: Legitimate attorneys provide written agreements and receipts for their services.
- Too Good to Be True Offers: Promises like “work permit in two weeks” are always false.
Steps to Protect Yourself
Attorneys and officials recommend several steps to help immigrants avoid falling victim to scams:
- Ask for Identification: Always ask anyone claiming to be an immigration officer or attorney to show their official ID.
- Check Credentials: Verify the credentials of attorneys or legal advisors through official channels. You can check if someone is a licensed attorney through your state’s bar association.
- Use Official Websites: Only use government websites that end in .gov for immigration information. For example, the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is uscis.gov.
- Never Share Personal Information: Don’t give out personal details or money to people who contact you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from the government.
- Don’t Sign What You Don’t Understand: Never sign documents you don’t fully understand or that have blank spaces.
- Get Everything in Writing: Always ask for a written agreement and a receipt for any payment.
What to Do If You’re a Victim
If you think you’ve been targeted or tricked by an immigration scam, there are steps you can take:
- Report the Scam: You can report scams to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office if you’re in Colorado, or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for scams that cross state lines.
- Federal Trade Commission: File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- USCIS Tip Form: You can also report scams directly to USCIS using their official tip form.
- Local Law Enforcement: Contact your local police department for help.
Legal Help for Scam Victims
In some cases, victims of immigration scams may be eligible for special immigration protections. Jennifer Smith, an attorney in Colorado, says that people who have been victims of crimes like extortion may qualify for U Nonimmigrant Status, also known as a U visa. The U visa is designed to help victims of certain crimes who are willing to help law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. This visa can provide protection from deportation and a path to legal status.
Smith explains, “The U visa was designed by Congress and law enforcement to encourage undocumented people to report crimes and cooperate with police. So, that’s something we always — at least, when I’m working with people who’ve been victims of a crime like extortion — explore as an option, if it applies to their situation.”
For more information about the U visa and to access the official application form, visit the USCIS U Visa page.
Advice from Attorneys and Officials
Claire Noone, an attorney in Colorado, encourages immigrants to trust their instincts. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and it is important to expose the scams, scammers — and learn from the ever-evolving tactics.”
California Attorney General Bonta has also made it clear that the state will not tolerate scams targeting immigrants. “Let me be clear: If you seek to scam or otherwise take advantage of California’s immigrant communities, you will be held accountable.”
Experts recommend that immigrants only seek help from licensed attorneys or Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited representatives. Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to those who need it.
Resources for Safe Immigration Help
There are several trusted resources available to help immigrants avoid scams and find real legal help:
- Santa Clara County’s Immigration Scam Awareness Hub: Offers information on common scams, trusted resources, and how to report fraud.
- California Attorney General’s Office: Provides guidance in multiple languages at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.
- LawHelpCA.org: Connects people with legitimate legal aid organizations.
- National Immigrant Justice Center: Offers support and resources for immigrants facing legal challenges.
For official information about immigration forms, processes, and reporting fraud, always use the USCIS website.
Why Are Immigration Scams Increasing?
The rise in immigration scams is closely linked to changes in federal immigration enforcement and increased fear in immigrant communities. When people feel threatened or uncertain about their future, they may be more likely to trust someone who promises quick solutions. Scammers know this and use it to their advantage.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the combination of stricter enforcement and widespread misinformation has created a perfect storm for scammers. Many immigrants are unsure about their rights or the correct process for getting legal status, making them easy targets.
The Role of Attorneys in Fighting Scams
Attorneys play a key role in protecting immigrants from scams. In Colorado and across the United States 🇺🇸, attorneys are working to educate the public, provide safe legal help, and support victims. They encourage immigrants to:
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of credentials or to get a second opinion.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in immigration law and policy.
- Report Scams: Reporting scams helps protect others in the community.
Attorneys also work with local law enforcement and government agencies to hold scammers accountable and recover lost funds when possible.
What Immigrants Should Remember
- Never Pay for Promises: No one can guarantee a visa, green card, or work permit.
- Check Before You Pay: Always verify the identity and credentials of anyone offering immigration help.
- Use Official Channels: Only use government websites and trusted legal aid organizations.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If something feels wrong, report it. Your report could help protect others.
Implications for Immigrants, Families, and Employers
Immigration scams don’t just hurt individuals. They can also affect families, employers, and entire communities. When someone loses money to a scam, it can mean lost savings, missed opportunities, and even increased risk of deportation. Employers who unknowingly work with fraudulent representatives may also face legal trouble.
By staying alert and informed, immigrants and their supporters can help stop scams before they start. Community education, legal support, and strong reporting systems are all important tools in this fight.
Where to Get More Information
For the most up-to-date and official information about immigration processes, forms, and reporting fraud, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. This site provides resources in multiple languages and is the safest place to find accurate information.
If you need legal help, look for attorneys who are licensed and in good standing with their state bar association. You can check an attorney’s status through your state’s official bar website. For those in Colorado, the Colorado Supreme Court’s attorney search tool is a good place to start.
Final Thoughts
Immigration scams are a growing threat, especially in times of uncertainty and fear. By learning the warning signs, using trusted resources, and seeking help from qualified attorneys, immigrants can protect themselves and their families. Attorneys in Colorado and across the United States 🇺🇸 are working hard to spread awareness and support victims, but everyone has a role to play in stopping these scams.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by an immigration scam, don’t stay silent. Report it, seek help, and remember that you are not alone. The fight against immigration scams depends on strong communities, informed individuals, and the support of dedicated attorneys.
For more details on how to report scams and find safe legal help, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s official immigration scams page. This government resource offers clear steps and contact information for reporting fraud and getting support.
Staying alert, asking questions, and using official resources are the best ways to protect yourself from immigration scams. With the help of attorneys and community organizations, immigrants in Colorado and beyond can find the real support they need to build a safer future.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws and investigating violations.
Notario fraud → Scam where unauthorized individuals pose as legal advisors exploiting immigration misunderstandings.
U visa → A special visa protecting crime victims who assist law enforcement, offering legal status.
Extortion → Demanding money through threats or coercion, often targeting vulnerable immigrants.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency managing immigration processes and applications.
This Article in a Nutshell
Immigration scams are rising across the U.S., exploiting immigrant fears amid stricter enforcement. Experts warn of fake legal services and threats. Awareness, verifying credentials, and official resources are vital. Victims might qualify for protective U visas. Reporting fraud and seeking trusted help safeguard communities from costly and harmful scams.
— By VisaVerge.com
