Money scams that target immigrant families, and how to spot them

Moving to a new country is hard work. You are building a life from the ground up — finding housing, sending money home, learning new rules. Scammers know this. They look for people who are new, busy, and maybe a little uncertain about how things work here. That is why immigrant families, including many Latino families, are among the most targeted groups in the United States.

The good news: once you know the patterns, these scams are easier to spot.

Scam 1: The fake immigration official

Someone calls, texts, or knocks on your door. They say they are from 'Immigration,' ICE, or a government office. They tell you there is a problem with your case. To fix it, you must pay money right away — often by wire transfer, prepaid gift card, or Zelle.

Here is the truth: U.S. government agencies do not call or text you out of nowhere asking for payment. They send official letters. They never ask for gift cards. If you get a call like this, hang up. Real agencies will contact you by mail.

Scam 2: Notarios and fake immigration helpers

In many Latin American countries, a 'notario' is a trained legal expert. In the United States, that word means something very different — or nothing at all legally. Some people call themselves notarios or 'immigration consultants' and charge hundreds or thousands of dollars to fill out forms. They are not lawyers. They cannot give legal advice. They may file the wrong forms, take your money, and disappear.

If you need immigration help, look for a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) accredited representative or a nonprofit legal aid organization. Many offer low-cost or free help.

Scam 3: Job-offer fees

You see a job posting online or on a flyer. The pay sounds great. But before you can start, someone asks you to pay a fee — for training, a uniform, a background check, or a 'work permit.' Legitimate employers in the U.S. do not charge you money to hire you. If someone asks you to pay to get a job, walk away.

Scam 4: WhatsApp and social media investment schemes

A message arrives in a family group chat or from someone you met online. They say they found a way to turn $200 into $2,000 in a week — crypto, forex trading, a business opportunity. They may even show screenshots of big 'profits.' These are almost always scams. Once you send money, it is gone. No real investment guarantees fast, huge returns.

Scam 5: Fake check-cashing or money transfer offices

Some storefronts look like real remittance or check-cashing businesses. They may charge extremely high fees, give you a bad exchange rate, or simply not send your money at all. Before you use any service, check that it is registered. Licensed money transfer businesses must register with FinCEN (the U.S. Treasury's financial crimes unit) and follow your state's rules.

Scam 6: Predatory 'loans' and rent-to-own traps

If you do not have a Social Security number or U.S. credit history, some lenders may offer you a loan at extremely high interest rates — sometimes 300% or more per year. Rent-to-own furniture and electronics stores can work the same way. You pay far more than the item is worth. These are legal in many states but can trap families in debt for years.

Red flags to watch for

• Someone asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or Zelle to a stranger
• You are told to act RIGHT NOW or something bad will happen
• A 'government official' contacts you by phone or text out of the blue
• A job or investment promises fast, guaranteed money
• You are asked to keep the deal secret from family

What to do if you think you were scammed

Do not feel ashamed. These scammers are professionals. You can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also call the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at 1-855-411-2372 — they have Spanish-language support. If your safety is at risk, call 911.

Telling someone may help protect your family and your neighbors too.