South Carolina · Notario fraud
Notario fraud in South Carolina
If a non-lawyer took your money in South Carolina — under the guise of notario fraud — South Carolina law is on your side. Here's how the claim works.
Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team
Why this is illegal in South Carolina
A U.S. 'notario' is not a lawyer. When they charge for immigration or legal work, it's a crime — and every dollar you paid is recoverable, plus damages.
South Carolina's UPL statute: S.C. Code § 40-5-310
South Carolina makes it a felony to practice law without being admitted by the state Supreme Court. The Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law investigates and refers cases.
Penalties in South Carolina
Felony — up to 5 years and/or a $5,000 fine per violation, plus civil injunctions.
What you can recover
- A full refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory or civil damages under South Carolina's consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in most cases — often no out-of-pocket cost.
- Referral to a licensed South Carolina attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report notario fraud in South Carolina
- File with South Carolina Bar — the state bar's UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General.
- Submit your case on this site for a free confidential review with a licensed South Carolina attorney who handles UPL recovery.
Related resources
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