On Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón’s office released a warning to immigrants, including those living in Santa Clarita, regarding fraud and scams. 

According to Gascón, those seeking immigration assistance need to be cautious of malicious advisers promising work permits, citizenship and release from immigration detention. 

https://twitter.com/LADAOffice/status/1424774416253083648

Immigration consultants, sometimes referred to as “notarios”, are not licensed to practice immigration law or authorized to give legal advice, according to officials.  

Some of them target vulnerable immigrants offering services that either are not delivered or fail to help their intended needs, taking advantage of their situation. 

Victims not only get defrauded but suffer irreparable harm to their legal status as a result of the scam, according to D.A. officials.

“Immigrants play a profound role in shaping the character of life in Los Angeles County. As someone who came to this country at age 13, I know the vulnerabilities of our newest residents, particularly those who do not speak English,” Gascón said.

In L.A. County, the number of immigration scam complaints prior to 2019 was steadily increasing, and almost doubled from 147 complaints in 2017 to 279 complaints in 2018.

Some tips from the D.A.’s office:

• Consult with a licensed or accredited immigration lawyer
• Check the consultant’s references
• Know and review what documents are being filed on your behalf, especially if you sign your name to it
• Obtain a copy of the consultant’s identification along with a written contract and payment receipts 

To report immigration and other kinds of fraud, call the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at 800-593-8222.

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