LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — At a time when many Latin immigrants may be looking for legal advice, bad actors are looking to take advantage of them.
It’s called a notario scam, and it relies on immigrants misunderstanding that term. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word notario typically refers to a lawyer. While here in the U.S., it refers to a notary public. One is licensed to give legal advice; the other is most definitely not. There’s a big difference.
Scammers will use titles like “notario publico” or “immigration consultant” to advertise services they’re not qualified to provide. They may charge for documents you can get for free from the government. They’ll promise quick and guaranteed results, and provide both legal advice and documents despite their lack of a license. Often, the paperwork contains errors or is filed improperly. That can result in a client’s incarceration or deportation. This type of con artist may steal sensitive documents, or they may forge signatures on forms. Most often, they’ll just disappear with all the client’s money without helping them at all.
To avoid this type of scam, verify the license of any attorney you work with through the Nevada State Bar Association. Be skeptical of any legal professional who offers you a guarantee. Never sign any blank forms, and be sure to keep your original documents in your possession. Finally, get a contract up front, and keep all your receipts just in case it does turn out to be a scam.
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