Immigration ‘notario’ scams are coming back under Trump crackdown
- Maria Gutierrez Saragon, a victim of domestic assault in Los Angeles County in 2000, sought help with immigration papers from a family friend.
- Gutierrez Saragon recounted the ordeal: "I had to give him all my money instead of being able to buy my children what they need.
Notario fraud, an insidious immigrant scam, is making a comeback, preying on the vulnerability of those seeking legal assistance. This deceptive practice,where individuals falsely present themselves as legal experts,is leaving victims financially devastated. Scammers exploit fear related to federal actions, with victims ofen losing important sums. This article from News Directory 3 reveals how lack of enforcement and online scams are intensifying the problem. We also delve into the emotional toll of these scams, providing a clear picture of the tactics and impact. Discover what’s next in the fight against this exploitation of the immigrant community.
Immigrant Scams Resurge: Notario Fraud Exploits Fear and Confusion
Updated June 15, 2025
Maria Gutierrez Saragon, a victim of domestic assault in Los Angeles County in 2000, sought help with immigration papers from a family friend. He promised citizenship within three months, citing her status as a crime victim. Instead, over a decade, he allegedly extracted more than $100,000 from the housekeeper through false promises and threats.
Gutierrez Saragon recounted the ordeal: “I had to give him all my money instead of being able to buy my children what they need. It was like torture. Every time the phone rang or every time a paper arrived for me,they were asking for more money.”
She fell prey to notario fraud, a scheme where individuals posing as lawyers swindle vulnerable immigrants. Despite awareness campaigns, advocates and law enforcement are concerned about a resurgence, fueled by fear amid federal raids and troop deployments in Los