How do I report a legal or immigration scam?
Report to the FTC, the state bar association (if a fake lawyer was involved), and USCIS (US) or the Solicitors Regulation Authority (UK). For notario fraud, report to the Department of Justice.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Legal and immigration scams exploit people who need genuine help navigating complex systems. In the US, 'notario fraud' is particularly harmful: in some Latin American countries, a 'notario' is a highly qualified legal professional, but in the US the term is used by unqualified individuals who fraudulently provide legal services to immigrants, often filing false or damaging documents.
Report notario fraud and immigration consultant fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, to the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and to your state attorney general. The FTC has a dedicated Spanish-language resource for notario fraud victims.
If someone falsely claimed to be a licensed attorney, report to your state bar association. Bar associations can discipline or disbar lawyers and can pursue criminal referrals for false practice. In the UK, report fake solicitors to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) at sra.org.uk.
If a fraudulent immigration adviser filed documents on your behalf, immediately contact a legitimate immigration attorney to assess the damage to your case. Fraudulent filings can have serious immigration consequences, and legal remedies may be available to correct the record.
Common red flags
- A notario or immigration consultant promised to resolve your case faster than official channels
- You were told to sign blank forms that the consultant would fill in later
- Upfront fees were paid but the consultant became uncontactable afterward
- The 'lawyer' could not show a valid state bar number
- Documents filed on your behalf contained false information
- You were promised a visa or immigration status that is not legally available
What to do now
- Report to the FTC and your state AG
- Report fake lawyers to your state bar association
- In the UK, report to the SRA at sra.org.uk
- Report immigration fraud to USCIS at uscis.gov
- Consult a licensed immigration attorney to assess your case
- See /scams/legal-immigration-scams for how to identify unqualified practitioners
Frequently asked questions
Is a notario the same as a notary public in the US?
No. A US notary public is an official who witnesses signatures; they are not authorised to give legal advice or file immigration documents. The confusion is deliberate in notario fraud.
What if a fraudulent consultant filed immigration papers in my name?
This is a serious situation. Contact a licensed immigration attorney immediately. It may be possible to withdraw or correct filings, and there are specific legal protections for immigrants harmed by authorised representative fraud.