Practical guide
Avoid immigration and “notario” scams
Recognize government impersonation, fee demands, and unqualified legal-service claims before sharing money or documents.
Key takeaways
Start with the answer
- USCIS forms are free, government websites end in .gov, and only qualified attorneys or authorized representatives should provide legal representation.
- First step: Verify the person’s professional status before accepting legal help.
- No legitimate agency asks for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer to fix a case immediately.
The short answer
USCIS forms are free, government websites end in .gov, and only qualified attorneys or authorized representatives should provide legal representation.
What to know before you act
USCIS forms are free, government websites end in .gov, and only qualified attorneys or authorized representatives should provide legal representation.
Federal guidance is a starting point. State agencies, local offices, plan documents, contracts, and individual notices may add rules or deadlines. Use the official links on this page to verify the current requirement that applies to you.
A practical next-step checklist
Work through these steps in order. Keep copies of confirmations, notices, and the date you contacted an agency or company.
- Verify the person’s professional status before accepting legal help.
- Download forms and fee information from USCIS directly.
- Keep receipts and report suspected fraud through an official channel.
Pause and get qualified help when needed
No legitimate agency asks for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer to fix a case immediately.
Do not send personal identifiers through an unofficial website or to someone who contacted you unexpectedly. For a disputed deadline, denial, safety issue, or legal consequence, use the responsible agency or a qualified professional rather than relying on a general guide.
Primary sources
Verify with the responsible agency
- USCIS — Avoid scamsgovernment
- USAGov — Find a lawyer and affordable legal aidgovernment
How this page was made
This page was drafted with AI assistance, edited for plain language, and checked against the official sources listed above. Source review confirms that the cited pages support this general starting point; it is not expert review or personalized advice. See the editorial policy and corrections process.