(I was quoted in various media long ago on the topic. It’s good to see the federal government getting involved.)
The DoJ, DHS and FTC are now targeting immigration scams by “notarios.” Some folks who are notary publics will take advantage of the similarity in the words “notary” and “notario” to dupe immigrants into paying for their help. Although they have only the authority to witness signings and give oaths, the fraudulent notaries are doing work that should be reserved for immigration lawyers. They cheat their clients out of thousands and land them in jail, facing removal. In Central America, a notary is not an attorney, but similar. In the US, people become notaries and then promote themselves with the term ‘notario.’ USCIS has created brochures, posters, a video and a website based on the slogan, “The wrong help can hurt.”
(excerpts from scripps)
