A notario is not a lawyer

The bait-and-switch

In most Latin American countries, a notario público is a highly qualified attorney. In the United States, a notary public is only allowed to verify signatures. Nothing else. Notario fraud happens when someone in the U.S. deliberately uses the Spanish-language title to sell legal services they aren't qualified — or allowed — to perform.

What counts as notario fraud

• Advertising legal services as a 'notario' or 'notario público'.
• Filling out immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, asylum, etc.).
• Advising which visa, form, or strategy to use.
• Charging for "consultations" that give legal advice.
• Filing anything with USCIS, ICE, or an immigration court on your behalf.
• Promising a green card, work permit, or case outcome.

What it typically costs victims

We've seen notario cases where people paid $2,000 to $15,000 — and walked away with the wrong form filed, a missed deadline, a denial, or worse: a removal order. Even where the case is still salvageable, every day matters.

What you can recover

• A full refund of what you paid.
• Damages under your state's UPL and consumer-protection statutes.
• Referral to a licensed immigration attorney to fix (or reopen) your case.
• Bar complaint and state AG referral to shut them down.

What to do right now

1. Do not pay them more money — even if they threaten to stop working.
2. Save every receipt, contract, text, and email.
3. Write down the exact name and address of the business.
4. Take screenshots of their website and social media accounts.
5. Submit a report on this page. It's free and confidential.