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Scams targeting immigrants in the United States are growing rapidly. The California attorney general has reminded residents to take steps to protect themselves amid new reports of individuals impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other immigration-related scams. In moments of crisis, scammers are exploiting some of the most vulnerable families.

At an American Community Media briefing, Monica Vaca, former deputy director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, and Kati Daffan, a consumer and civil rights attorney and former Federal Trade Commission attorney, shared their experiences and advice on how people can protect themselves and their assets. The two attorneys previously helped lead the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer protection division and now work in private practice in Washington.

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When a loved one has been detained by immigration authorities

When a loved one is detained by immigration authorities, panic sets in almost instantly. Families, gripped by fear and uncertainty, scramble for information, legal assistance and any possible way to secure their relative’s safe return. It is in these highly emotional and vulnerable moments that sophisticated scammers are increasingly stepping in, Vaca warned.

Posing as immigration lawyers or legal representatives, these fraudsters deliberately target families who are actively searching for help, whether online or through trusted community networks. What makes these schemes particularly dangerous is their growing level of sophistication. Scammers are now creating convincing identities and operations, complete with professional websites, official-sounding credentials and urgent, authoritative communication designed to exploit desperation and override skepticism.

“We’ve heard from community partners that scammers are designing documents, using props and deploying a range of tactics to convince people they are legitimate lawyers who can help their family member. In some cases, they present what appears to be a valid bar license. When victims look up the name, they find a real attorney practicing in places like California. There have even been instances of entirely fake law firms being set up,” Daffan said.

“We’ve also heard of cases where scammers stage fake immigration hearings over Zoom, complete with someone posing as an immigration judge who appears to review the case and rule that a detainee can be released on bond. The family is then told they must immediately pay money to secure their loved one’s release.”

To reinforce the illusion, scammers may provide fake receipts that appear to come from government agencies.

The emotional pressure is immense. Families already in distress are more likely to trust what appears to be a legitimate legal process.

Warning signs to watch for

One common pattern among scammers, experts said, is that they promise guaranteed success. No legitimate lawyer can guarantee an outcome.

Other warning signs include urgent demands for large payments, especially through unfamiliar methods such as wire transfers or cash; requests to pay “bond” directly to individuals rather than through official channels; refusal to meet in person or provide verifiable credentials; and communication limited to messaging apps or unofficial email addresses.

How to protect yourself

Attorneys emphasized that understanding one’s rights and taking basic precautions can help immigrants avoid fraud and, if targeted, take steps toward recovery. They recommend verifying an attorney’s credentials through official state bar websites and contacting immigration courts or detention centers directly to confirm case details. Families should work only with established, reputable law firms or nonprofit legal organizations and avoid sending money without confirming legitimacy through multiple trusted sources.

If you’ve been targeted or scammed

Report the fraud to authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission. Contact your bank immediately to try to stop or reverse payments. Seek guidance from trusted legal aid organizations. Document all communications and transactions.

These scams are evolving rapidly, becoming more elaborate and harder to detect. Awareness remains the first line of defense. For families navigating immigration challenges, taking time to verify information before acting can prevent serious financial and emotional harm.

“You need to act really, really quickly to try to get your money back. The bad guys know that, and so they’re going to try to string you along.”

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