The problem arises when individuals obtain a notary public license in the United States, and use that license to substantiate representations that they are a "notario publico" to immigrant populations that ascribe a vastly different meaning to the term. So, You Went to See The Lawyer. But....So, You finally went to see that lawyer you found on the internet. You and your family went to his/her office and were wow'd by the office's prestigious location, the staff was courteous, professional - they even offered you Starbucks Coffee. You just hired the best legal team in town - or, so it seems. Be careful, there are plenty of dishonest and unscrupulous people out there looking to scam a quick buck. Here is what you need to know. Notario Fraud: Beware!!!!Many people who come to the United States may not know exactly who to trust and this (through no fault of their own) makes them prime targets for unscrupulous people holding themselves out as lawyers when in fact, they are not. Afterall, why would anyone hold themselves out to be a lawyer when in fact they are not? Simple. Their only objective is to scam money out of unsuspecting immigrants who came here to carve out a slice of the American dream for themselves and their family. Make sure that the person with whom you are dealing with is in fact a licensed attorney. These days we have a ton of information available for consumption at the tip of our fingertips. Literally. These days everyone has an iPhone or Android smartphone. Simply Google the person's name with whom you spoke with. See what comes up. Better yet, you can log on to the attorney licensing authority's website in the state/s which the attorney is licensed and search the person's name. If something does not pass the so-called "sniff test," trust that first instinct and RUN!! "But, She Guaranteed me a Green Card."It's a true statement that nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. No attorney worth his/her salt should be guaranteeing anything to anyone. In fact, it is unethical to guarantee any outcome to a client. Written just beneath the signature line of my consultation and retainer agreements I have in big bold print that "NO GUARANTEES HAVE BEEN MADE AS TO THE OUTCOME OF YOUR CASE." No lawyer should be guaranteeing anything to anyone. Lawyers - good ethical lawyers - do not deal in absolutes. Run away from those who do.
Click the image below for more information on Notario Fraud from the USCIS website:
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AuthorM. Ray Arvand, Esq. Archives
October 2017
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