Rising Immigration Scams Target Desperate Asylum Seekers

As an asylum-seeker in the U.S., Jasmir Urbina faced increasing anxiety as she watched violent immigration sweeps unfold nationwide. She worried about being targeted, having fled Nicaragua in 2022, and residing legally with her husband in New Orleans while awaiting her court date. Her apprehension heightened with news that legal residents were being arrested.

In November 2025, as the Trump administration launched ‘Operation Swamp Sweep’ in her region, Urbina sought assistance. She found an advertisement from Catholic Charities on Facebook, believing it to offer help. A woman named “Susan Millan” claimed to be a lawyer and connected with Urbina through WhatsApp. Millan presented herself as a professional, discussing her life to gain Urbina’s trust. Urbina, seeking to resolve her immigration issues, paid fees using the payment app Zelle, deeply depleting her savings.

In a brief virtual hearing, Urbina claimed ‘credible fear’ of returning to Nicaragua. Millan assured her residency had been won and advised against attending her court date. But Millan disappeared, leaving Urbina without answers. It became clear she had been scammed by someone exploiting notario fraud. This fraud deceives immigrants by posing as legal professionals, often due to cultural misunderstandings of the term ‘notary.’

Catholic Charities, unaware of the impersonation, highlighted their frustration. Chris Ross, an official at the organization, spoke against the misuse of their reputation to exploit vulnerable individuals.

There’s a reason why we have a good reputation, Ross stated. And for someone to trade on that goodwill with nefarious intent is very frustrating.

Scammers have adapted to appear legitimate, utilizing technology like AI to create convincing digital interactions. Between 2021 and the 2024 election, the Federal Trade Commission received around 960 immigration scam complaints annually. By 2025, complaints nearly doubled, signaling a rise in fraudulent activities.

Authorities warned against scammers impersonating federal immigration officers or fake lawyers, who had pocketed millions from unsuspecting victims. Cases documented included impersonations of legal officials and the misuse of technologies like WhatsApp to deceive.

Victims found scammers through platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Meta responded by promising stricter monitoring, while organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association urged users to remain cautious. Many immigrant communities felt the strain, including those with existing financial vulnerabilities.

In Minnesota, José Aguilar, granted temporary protected status, fell victim to a Facebook scam advertising false legal help, which he believed due to his dire circumstances. The scam eventually cost him significant financial resources meant for his survival.

Warnings have been issued by numerous entities, urging immigrants to verify legal help through direct communication, avoiding platforms prone to manipulation. Nonetheless, the threat remains persistent as scammers still exploit vulnerable individuals through sophisticated methods.

Urbina, after being deported, received another fraudulent call, underscoring the ongoing danger posed by these scams. She shared personal information in a desperate attempt for help but was left with silence, highlighting the relentless nature of such schemes.