In the United States, the world of fraud has not only grown explosively in scale in recent years, but has also become more targeted and more sophisticated. According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, consumer-reported losses now amount to billions of dollars annually, while increasing evidence suggests that scammers are not selecting victims at random, but are deliberately targeting the most vulnerable groups. Among them, immigrants and ethnic minorities occupy a prominent place, as their economic, legal, and cultural vulnerability makes them easier prey.
American Community Media held a press briefing on the issue with the participation of Monica Vaca, former Associate Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, and Kati Daffan, a consumer protection and civil rights attorney and former FTC lawyer. Scammers always adapt to new circumstances. Accordingly, in recent times they have even posed as representatives of ICE, or have attempted to deceive victims by claiming that a family member or loved one has been detained or is facing deportation. In some cases, someone actually is taken into custody, and scammers then promise to secure the release of the family member. They produce and falsify documents to make themselves appear as legitimate attorneys.
American media and authorities consistently report that the number of scams targeting immigrants is rising dramatically. The FTC has issued specific warnings about the spread of so-called immigration scams, which often begin on social media. Scammers pose as lawyers, nonprofit organizations, or even government officials, and promise work permits, green cards, or citizenship. Victims often take a risk simply by making contact, as they provide personal information and then pay significant sums for services that do not exist, Kati Daffan explained.
One of the most common types of fraud is the so-called notario scam, in which individuals posing as legal professionals handle immigration cases for money despite having no authorization to do so. In other cases, fake government websites or phone calls appear, using official-sounding communication to threaten victims with deportation, fines, or legal consequences. According to USCIS, these scams are particularly dangerous because they rely on fear and push people to pay quickly without verification. Monica Vaca noted that scammers sometimes even use the names of real attorneys.
In recent times, the digital space has become the primary arena for fraud. According to a report by The Washington Post, organized networks operate on TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp, copying the profiles of real lawyers and then reaching out to potential victims through direct messages. In some cases, they even stage fake online court hearings to make the scam appear credible, while victims lose thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. These may involve Zoom calls that appear as if an immigration judge has ruled that someone can be released on bail. They then demand payment and transfer of the bail amount. All of this convinces families that they must now pay, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars.
Scammers even issue fake receipts, claiming that ICE has received the bail money and providing documentation to that effect, Monica Vaca said. Everything is designed to look as if it comes from the government, and when someone is desperate to get a family member back, they may go to extraordinary lengths. Experts warn that real attorneys may request payment, but not $20,000 all at once. They may request smaller payments for services that appear reasonable. Warning signs include criminal groups advertising on social media and targeting families. Initial contact typically occurs through social media or in response to advertisements placed by scammers.
If someone assures a client that success is likely, that is a red flag. No outcome can be guaranteed in advance, even for money. Suspicious payment methods include cryptocurrency, cash, Zelle, gift cards, and similar forms. These are chosen because they are harder to reverse and trace. This raises the question of whether families can access a resource list or database of trustworthy organizations that provide legitimate assistance. Experts recommend contacting only offices with verifiable websites, addresses, and phone numbers, and ensuring that these are real.
Protecting bank accounts is also important, Kati Daffan noted. If a family’s primary earner is detained, other family members may lose access to accounts if they are frozen, so it may be advisable to add another family member to the account. Immigrants are sometimes detained during traffic stops, and their cars may be impounded. While the vehicle remains in storage, fees continue to accumulate. When a family member attempts to retrieve the car, they may need to prove they have insurance. It may be advisable to add loved ones to auto insurance policies and to use a limited power of attorney form that allows family members to sell the vehicle if necessary. It is also recommended to find a reputable immigration attorney to consult with, even if their services are not immediately needed. Consultations are often free.
If a scam has occurred, the first report should be made to the entity that facilitated the payment. This may involve calling the bank if a bank account was used, or contacting payment services such as Western Union. They should be informed that the transaction was fraudulent and that a reversal is requested. The success of this depends on how quickly action is taken. A report should also be filed with authorities such as the FTC or the state attorney general. If someone does not feel comfortable doing so, they may ask a lawyer or a trusted individual to file the report on their behalf. Experts also advise victims to speak openly within their communities about scams, as those who are aware of such schemes are far less likely to fall victim to them.
Fraud, however, is not limited to immigration-related cases. According to the FBI, the most common crimes include phishing, identity theft, and extortion, while the largest financial losses are caused by investment scams, particularly those involving cryptocurrency. Job-related scams are also spreading rapidly, luring individuals with fake job offers and then requesting various fees for training or administration. Within ethnic communities, culturally targeted scams also appear. In Chinese communities, for example, documented cases include the so-called ghost scam, which exploits religious and cultural beliefs, while in other communities language barriers and trust within the community are used against victims. Offers received via phone or text messages should be rejected, and engagement should be avoided.
The question remains why immigrants and ethnic minorities become primary targets. The answer lies in a combination of factors. Many are not fully familiar with the U.S. legal system and institutions, making it harder to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent information. Language barriers also play a role, as individuals often rely on their own community channels for information, where scammers can more easily reach them. Additionally, uncertainty about immigration status and fear of deportation create strong psychological pressure that scammers deliberately exploit. Experts say that desperation is one of the primary “fuels” of fraud.
The seriousness of the problem is compounded by the fact that victims often do not report crimes. This may be due to fear of authorities, feelings of shame, or lack of confidence that help will be provided. Some research suggests that reported cases represent only the tip of the iceberg, with actual losses being far greater. The first step in prevention is information. U.S. authorities emphasize that no official agency requests payment by phone, email, or social media. Urgency, threats, and pressure to act quickly are almost always signs of fraud. Similarly, any offer that guarantees immigration outcomes or seems too good to be true should be treated with suspicion. It is essential that people seek assistance only through verified, official channels.
Even if someone becomes a victim, they are not entirely without recourse. Fraud can be reported through the FTC system, which not only collects data but also helps authorities dismantle networks. In addition, numerous nonprofit organizations and legal aid services provide assistance, particularly within ethnic communities. Most importantly, victims should not remain alone, because silence only serves the interests of scammers. The history of scams targeting immigrants is ultimately not only a criminal issue, but also a social mirror. It shows how vulnerability, fear, and uncertainty can easily become a business model, and how a society responds to protecting those who need it most.
