California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert to help immigrant communities in the state avoid falling victim to immigration scams. The guidance aims to protect individuals from fraudulent activities, such as notario fraud, which exploit fears stemming from President Trump’s mass detention and deportation policies.
“Families across the country are experiencing fear and uncertainty as a result of President Trump’s inhumane immigration agenda — and scammers are paying attention,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Immigration scams, including notario fraud, prey on the hopes of safety and stability of our immigrant communities.”
The alert provides resources for those seeking free or low-cost legal assistance and guidance on locating detained loved ones. It emphasizes that only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can offer legal advice or represent individuals in immigration court. Immigration consultants using titles like “notarios” or “notaries public” are not authorized to provide legal services related to immigration.
To locate detained individuals, it is advised to find their Alien Registration number (A-Number) on immigration documents. This number can be used at locator.ice.gov for searches by A-Number or full name and country of birth. Additional information about detention centers is available at ice.gov/detention-facilities.
The alert also offers tips for protecting oneself from scams: verify the credentials of anyone offering legal help, use legitimate legal aid organizations for free assistance, keep original documents secure, and be wary of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
For more information on accessing free legal assistance, visit Law Help CA or Immigration Law Help. Victims of immigration scams should report incidents to the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report.
For further details on protecting against immigration scams, see the full consumer alert available online in both English and Spanish.
