How to identify immigration scams on social networks?

Immigration lawyers Jorge Rivera > Blog > Asesoria Immigration > How to identify immigration scams on social networks?

July 30, 2025

¡Warning scam! How to identify fraud, immigration in social networks

USCIS and immigration experts warn tactics are becoming more sophisticated used by scammers to trick immigrants. ¡Protect yourself! and learn how to identify scams of immigration on social networks.

Every day, thousands of immigrants in the united States are being targeted by scammers who are posing as officers, attorneys, or representatives of immigration. What seems to be a quick help for social networks or WhatsApp may end up being a scam that makes you lose money... and even your immigration case. In this article, we'll explain how to identify the clearest signs of fraud and what to do to avoid falling into scams of immigration on social networks.

Explains the Attorney Jorge Rivera

The three signs of a more common immigration fraud

Scammers have become experts at mimicking official profiles on social networks, even using artificial intelligence to pretend to be lawyers, judges or immigration agents. Therefore, it is essential that you're alert to these three signals:

1. Direct messages via social networks or WhatsApp

If someone sends you a message by Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp saying that can help you with immigration, beware! But use photos of real lawyers or profiles that look like the real deal, you can't see who is behind the message.
Conclusion: If you want to open your case for text messages... it's a scam.

2. Application of direct deposits or transfers

The scammers ask you to send money by Western Union, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App or bank accounts. Once they receive the money, withdraw funds and disappear.
The real lawyers, and of good reputation will only accept credit card paymentsbecause that protects you as customer.
Conclusion: If I ask you to direct deposit... is a scam.

3. Communication only by WhatsApp

Although many use WhatsApp to communicate with family, you should never trust someone that only offers legal help for this route. It is a tool that does not guarantee identity or security.
Conclusion: If you contact only by WhatsApp... also it is a scam.

How to avoid falling into scams on social networks?

✅ Never open a case for direct messages
✅ Do not send money by non-secure means
✅ Always make sure that you are dealing with a licensed attorney
✅ Uses only means of contact officers and insurance