Sophisticated criminal networks are taking advantage of the fear of mass deportations to defraud immigrants in the United States, charging them thousands of dollars for fake immigration services that never materialize.
Telemundo has documented the experiences of six immigrants across five states—New York, Michigan, Florida, Iowa, and Washington—who collectively lost between $1,300 and $11,000 to scammers. These fraudsters pose as law firms, conduct fake virtual immigration hearings, and even steal the identities of real attorneys to lend credibility to their schemes.
The Plight of Odalys González Silvera
One of the most detailed cases involves Odalys González Silvera, a 61-year-old Venezuelan residing in The Bronx, who was swindled out of $5,488 after contacting a fraudulent Facebook account masquerading as the law firm "Berman & Associates."
Her brother, Jaiker, was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Arizona in April 2025, despite holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS). In desperation, González Silvera sought legal assistance on social media and fell victim to the scam.
The con artists, using the name of real attorney Enrique De Jesús Duarte, promised to have her brother released "within 15 days" and charged her in four installments via Zelle: $870 for taking the case, $1,230 for filling out a form, $2,427 for a supposed bond, and $961 for travel expenses of an attorney who never visited the detainee.
Fraud Beyond Social Media
This scam method mirrors another case where a network set up a fake virtual immigration court with actors to deceive its victims.
These types of frauds are not confined to social networks. In other documented instances, criminals have broken into Hispanic immigrants' homes in Miami, posing as federal agents to rob and intimidate the residents.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 2024 alone saw 2.6 million reports of digital fraud, with losses exceeding $12.5 billion.
Similarly, scams involving impersonation of federal agents accounted for 1,579 reported cases in South Florida alone.
"They present you with an office full of diplomas and the American flag. It's an elaborate theater, complete with stage sets. I was cautious about so many things, yet I ended up in a trap," lamented González Silvera.
Understanding Immigration Scams in the U.S.
What are common tactics used by scammers targeting immigrants?
Scammers often pose as legitimate law firms, conduct fake virtual court hearings, and steal the identities of real attorneys to appear credible. They may also impersonate federal agents to intimidate and defraud immigrants.
How can immigrants protect themselves from these scams?
Immigrants should verify the credentials of any legal service provider, avoid making payments through untraceable methods, and report suspicious activities to authorities. It's crucial to seek help from reputable organizations or legal professionals.