03/24/2017
CONSUMER PROTECTION DISCUSSES HOW TO COMBAT IMMIGRATION FRAUD
Friday, March 24th 2017 – Today, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jonathan A. Harris joined the Immigrant Advisory Group Meeting at the Hartford Public Library to discuss how to combat immigration fraud.
Immigration fraud is a growing area of concern, in particular, because laws and regulations regarding immigration can change so quickly. Just as in many other areas of our economy, fraudsters are finding new, inventive ways to con hard working residents out of their money.
“Immigration fraud isn’t like a typical scam,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan A. Harris, “Often times those committing this type of fraud have attempted to ingrain themselves into a community, and put themselves in a position to work with multiple family members and neighbors. Failing to complete immigration paperwork appropriately doesn’t just lose a consumer money, it can tear apart families who have worked hard, played by the rules, and sacrificed to become American citizens.”
DCP works with a number of organizations to make information available to the immigrant community. Here’s what you should know:
- Do not go to a notario, notario público, or a notary public for legal advice. In the U.S., notarios are not lawyers. They cannot give you legal advice.
- Get immigration information from a U.S. government website. You might see a website that is trying to impersonate one - so remember that a government website address includes .gov in its web address.
- Never sign a form that is blank. Never sign a form that has false information in it.
- Do not allow anyone to keep your original documents, like a passport or birth certificate.
- Keep a copy of every document you turn in, and if you can, give those you are working with copies, and keep the originals yourself.
- Save a copy of every letter you get from the U.S. government.
- You will get a receipt when you turn in your forms. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will give it to you. Keep the receipt. You will need it to check on your application.
- Immigration forms are free, meaning you should not be charged for them. They can be found at www.uscis.gov/forms.
- If you have paid someone for immigration services and believe you have fallen victim to fraud, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by visiting www.ftc.gov/complaint.
Free materials for order and distribution can be found on these pages from the Federal Trade Commission and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Information for lawyers looking to support the immigrant community can be found here.
This effort is part of DCP’s collaborative education and outreach programming. More information about DCP’s programs to support underserved communities can be found here.
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Education & Outreach Program Inquiries:
Catherine Blinder
catherine.blinder@ct.gov
(860) 713-6021 (o)
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