How do I avoid immigration scams and notarios?

What are the warning signs of a scam?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) warns about several patterns. One of them alone doesn't prove a scam, but each is a reason to slow down and check.

Scammers also try to make the process sound more complicated than it is. You don't need a representative to file with USCIS, and you can file and represent yourself. Our guide on how to fill out Form N-400 walks through the form.

Why can't a notario help with my case?

The word means something very different in the U.S.

In many Spanish-speaking countries, a notario is an attorney with special legal credentials. In the U.S., a notary public is authorized by a state to witness signatures and give oaths. USCIS says that a notary public isn't an attorney, can't represent you, and isn't authorized to provide legal services related to immigration.

So a notary can witness your signature on a document. But a person using that title shouldn't be choosing your forms, telling you how to answer questions, or advising you on your case. Advertisements may use "notario" because it sounds official to people from those countries.

Who can legally help me?

USCIS lists who may represent you before it.

These representatives can advise you on which forms to file and what evidence to send, explain your options, help fill out forms, go with you to interviews, and communicate with USCIS.

What about everyone else? Someone outside these groups may be able to give limited help filling out forms. USCIS says they can't represent you or give legal advice, and can charge only a nominal fee. It suggests checking which services your state allows. On Form N-400, anyone who fills it out for you or reads it to you in another language must also sign it.

How do I check whether someone is legitimate?

Do this before you pay or share your documents.

1. Ask what they are

   Ask directly whether they are a licensed attorney or an accredited representative. If they are neither, they can't represent you.

2. Check an attorney's license

   USCIS suggests asking to see their current license, then confirming with the state agency that regulates attorneys that they are eligible to practice. The American Bar Association links to these agencies by state.

3. Check an accredited representative

   Look them up on DOJ's roster of recognized organizations and accredited representatives, from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

4. Check for discipline

   DOJ also publishes a list of currently disciplined practitioners.

For free or low-cost help, DOJ has a list of attorneys by state who offer immigration services at little or no cost. Recognized organizations are another place to look.

How do I pay USCIS safely?

Your fee goes to USCIS, through official channels. As of November 2026, Form N-400 costs $710 online or $760 on paper. See our guide to N-400 fees.

• Online. You pay only through your USCIS online account and Pay.gov. Check that the address ends in .gov.
• On paper. You send a card or bank payment form with your application.
• Never accepted. USCIS says it doesn't take Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards for immigration fees.
• Never by phone or email. USCIS says it will never ask you to pay a person on the phone or by email, or to transfer money to an individual.

A representative can charge for their own services, which is separate from the USCIS fee. Ask for a receipt either way.

How do I spot a fake email, website, or call?

Fake messages and sites can look real. A few checks help:

• Check the address. Government websites and email addresses end in .gov, not .com, .net, .org, or .info. USCIS websites also show a banner with a U.S. flag at the top saying they're official.
• Be careful with surprises. USCIS says it doesn't routinely email people to say a benefit was approved. It may email in certain situations, such as asking you to update your address.
• Avoid unknown attachments. USCIS warns about opening attachments from senders you don't recognize.
• Use your own account. You can see notices in your USCIS account, rather than following a link in a message.
• Ask USCIS. Forward a suspicious email to [email protected]. USCIS says its webmaster can confirm whether it's a scam, but can't answer immigration questions.

Keep your receipt number and A-Number private unless you have checked who is asking.

How can I protect myself if someone is helping me?

USCIS gives these tips:

• Ask for receipts, and copies of every form they prepare and every notice from USCIS. Keep them somewhere safe.
• Don't sign a blank form.
• Review every form to make sure it's complete before you sign it.
• Don't sign any form with false information.
• Don't pay for blank immigration forms.

If a representative is acting for you, they file Form G-28, and you sign it to consent. USCIS generally sends information about your case to both of you. You can change representatives at any time, or end the arrangement with a written notice.

How do I report a scam?

Where to report depends on what happened. As of November 2026, USCIS lists these options:

Will reporting hurt my case? USCIS says that reporting fraud committed by someone else generally won't negatively affect your application, if you weren't involved. Many states also allow anonymous reports, it says.

Did a scam affect your application? If someone filed something for you, gave you wrong advice, or took your documents, talk to a licensed attorney or accredited representative about your situation. This matters even more if your form contains information you didn't provide.