Feds warn against scams
Published:Monday | June 13, 2011 | 12:00 AM
WASHINGTON (AP):
Federal authorities are spreading the message in immigrant communities: Be wary of anyone who promises help getting immigration papers.
A spokesman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services says scams promising immigration benefits are "becoming pervasive."
Most scams involve people who pretend to be able to provide legal aid or other services for immigrants, take victims' money and fail to deliver.
Authorities have launched a new initiative to educate immigrants about scams, how to get legitimate legal help and how to report fraud.
CIS spokesman Bill Wright says it began last week in Washington and several other cities that were chosen, in part, because they have large immigrant populations. The effort includes brochures, posters, billboards, transit advertisements and online resources in 14 languages.