# Scams that target newcomers to the US > In the US, a “notario” or notary public can’t give legal advice or file immigration cases; only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives can. Government immigration forms are free to download, and fees go to the government. Agencies don’t demand payment by phone or threaten deportation for gift cards. Real jobs don’t charge you to be hired. The diversity visa lottery is free and only on the official State Department site. Report scams to the FTC in English or Spanish. - URL: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=scams-targeting-newcomers ## Step by step 1. **New to the US? Watch for scams aimed at newcomers.** Scammers know new arrivals may not know the rules yet. Here are the most common tricks, and how to stay safe. 2. **A “notario” is not a lawyer here.** In the US, a notary public can’t give legal advice or file immigration cases. Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives can help with immigration law. 3. **Government forms are free.** Immigration forms can be downloaded free from the official government site. Fees go to the government, not to a middleman. 4. **Government agencies don’t demand payment by phone.** Calls threatening arrest or deportation unless you pay with gift cards, wire or crypto are scams. Hang up. 5. **Real jobs don’t charge you to get hired.** Be wary of jobs asking for fees, your bank details before you start, or that pay you to “reship” packages or move money. 6. **Other scams to know.** The diversity visa lottery is free and only on the official State Department site. Be wary of rentals you can’t see, fake collectors, and online sweethearts asking for money. 7. **Report scams, in your language.** Report to the FTC, in English or Spanish, and to your state attorney general. Reporting helps stop scammers and won’t cost you anything. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Know a notario is not a lawyer here - Know government forms are free - Know agencies don’t demand payment by phone - Know real jobs don’t charge to hire - Know the visa lottery is free and official only - Report scams to the FTC ## Notario fraud In many countries, a notario is a lawyer. In the US, a notary public only witnesses signatures and can’t give legal advice or represent you. For immigration help, use a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice at a recognized organization. ## Forms are free Official immigration forms can be downloaded free from the government’s website. Filing fees are paid to the government, following official instructions. ## Fake government calls Callers claiming to be immigration, police or tax officials who threaten arrest or deportation unless you pay by gift card, wire transfer or crypto are scammers. Hang up. ## Job scams Real employers don’t charge fees to hire you. Be wary of jobs that ask for your bank details up front, or pay you to reship packages or move money; you could be pulled into crime. ## Other scams - Diversity visa lottery “winners” notified by email: the lottery is free and only run on the State Department’s official site. - Rentals you can’t see in person. - Fake debt collectors or tax agents. - Online sweethearts who ask for money. ## Report it Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (or ReporteFraude.ftc.gov in Spanish) and to your state attorney general. Reporting is free. ## Common questions ### How do I find real immigration legal help? Look for a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative at a recognized organization. Many nonprofits offer free or low-cost help. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/how-do-i-find-real-immigration-legal-help ### Will reporting a scam affect my immigration status? Reporting fraud to the FTC is meant to protect consumers. If you’re worried, ask a trusted legal aid organization first. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/will-reporting-a-scam-affect-my-immigration-status ### What is notario fraud? When someone calling themselves a “notario” offers immigration legal help they aren’t allowed to give. In the US, notaries can’t give legal advice. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/what-is-notario-fraud ### Who can legally help with my immigration case? A licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice working at a recognized organization. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/who-can-legally-help-with-my-immigration-case ### Are USCIS forms free? Yes, the forms are free to download from the official website. Filing fees are paid to the government per the instructions. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/are-uscis-forms-free ### Will immigration officials call and demand money? No. Calls threatening arrest or deportation unless you pay by gift card, wire or crypto are scams. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/will-immigration-officials-call-and-demand-money ### Is the diversity visa lottery free? Yes. Entry is free and only on the State Department’s official site. You won’t be notified of winning by email. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/is-the-diversity-visa-lottery-free ### Where can I report a scam in Spanish? At ReporteFraude.ftc.gov, the FTC’s Spanish-language reporting site. Source page: https://explained.page/scams-targeting-newcomers/questions/where-can-i-report-a-scam-in-spanish ## Official sources - [USCIS: avoid immigration scams](https://www.uscis.gov/) - [DOJ: recognized organizations and accredited representatives](https://www.justice.gov/eoir) - [ReporteFraude.ftc.gov (Spanish)](https://reportefraude.ftc.gov/) - [State Department: diversity visa program](https://travel.state.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "DOJ accredited representative near me" - "USCIS forms free download" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.