Unfortunately, there are many people who are taken advantage of when seeking legal assistance for their immigration cases. It's important to be aware of the various scams that exist so that you can avoid them and obtain strong legal guidance with your immigration status. Our team at Yekrangi & Associates has put together tips to avoid immigration scams and fraud.
Check People’s Credentials
There have been many instances when immigrants are taken advantage of when seeking legal guidance. Even if a person appears to be an attorney and knowledgeable in immigration law, you should not shy away from looking at their credentials. A great way to do this is by checking the person or firm with the appropriate agency, such as the Better Business Bureau. You can also check your state’s bar association to ensure that the person you plan to work with is, in fact, an attorney.
Be Wary of People Who Only Take Cash
It’s important to note that most credible attorneys take multiple forms of payment – not only cash. If you pay for any legal services in cash, you should request a detailed invoice explaining the services you paid for. You should also know that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does NOT accept cash for filing fees. It only accepts money orders, credit cards, or certified checks. If a person is requesting that you pay for forms in cash, you should be wary of their credibility.
Read Forms Before Signing Them
If you’ve been asked to sign a form, you should read it carefully to know what you are signing. Your signature can provide powerful legal authorization to a person or business, so it’s important that you don’t sign without understanding what you are signing. You should also always avoid signing a blank form since this is a red flag for fraudulent business practices.
Need reliable legal services? Contact our experienced Orange County immigration attorneys today at (949) 478-4963 to schedule a consultation!