This is one of the numbers Carlos says regularly calls them, offering immigration legal services in the United States. >> It's a number they now believe belongs to a scammer after they lost hundreds of dollars seeking asylum services of their own. The 43-year-old, who uses they them pronouns, came to the United States in September 2023 during the Biden administration using the CBP1 app.Carlos, who asked us not to use their last name or show their face, says they had to flee their home in Ecuador out of fear ...

Immigration Fraud Trends - Reports indicate a rise in immigration-related scams, with a 27% increase in New York City last year [5] - Scammers impersonate attorneys or federal agents, targeting immigrants seeking legal services [3][6] - Victims are losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars to these scams [3] Financial Impact on Victims - Scammers request advances ranging from $600 to $2,000 for immigration paperwork assistance [4] - Victims often receive no legal services or support after paying the advance [2][4] Legal and Regulatory Responses - New York City has doubled the penalties for fake immigration legal services, increasing fines from $3,900 to $20,000 for repeat offenders [5] - The American Bar Association has issued an alert warning of an increase in individuals impersonating lawyers [6] Scope of the Problem - Reports of fraudulent immigration lawyers and federal agents have surfaced in at least 30 states across the country [6] - New York City Council members receive weekly complaints from constituents alleging they were scammed [3]