New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and the State Bar of New Mexico have issued a warning about an increase in online scams involving individuals posing as immigration attorneys. According to the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ), these scammers often reach out directly through social media, sometimes using the names and license numbers of real attorneys to appear legitimate.
Officials report that, beyond requesting money under false pretenses, some scammers have provided incorrect legal advice. This has led some individuals to miss important immigration appointments or hearings, which could result in detainment or deportation.
“These scammers go to great lengths to deceive people, targeting immigrant communities seeking legal help,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “They use sophisticated schemes to gain trust and steal money. My office will not tolerate those who prey on people in need, and we are working closely with the State Bar to protect New Mexicans and raise awareness of these scams.”
The NMDOJ advises residents that if someone contacts them via social media claiming to be an immigration attorney offering services, it is likely a scam. In New Mexico, attorneys are prohibited from directly contacting individuals to offer paid legal services under the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Other warning signs include requests for payment through gift cards, bitcoin, or payment apps such as Venmo or Zelle. Offers that seem too good to be true or imposter websites—federal sites should end in “.gov”—are also considered red flags.
Those who believe they have been contacted by a fraudulent attorney are advised not to send money or personal information and not to succumb to pressure tactics such as threats of deportation. The public is encouraged to contact the State Bar of New Mexico for assistance in verifying an attorney’s legitimacy. However, officials note that since immigration attorneys do not need a New Mexico license to practice immigration law within the state, some legitimate attorneys may not appear in the State Bar’s database.
It is recommended that individuals reach out directly using contact information from an attorney’s official website if there is any doubt about their identity.
General advice includes reviewing all contracts carefully before signing and keeping copies for records; never signing blank documents; and always retaining original documents while only providing copies when necessary.
The NMDOJ has updated its Scam Prevention and Identity Theft page at https://nmdoj.gov/get-help/scam-prevention-and-identity-theft/ with information on this issue. The page provides fact sheets in English and Spanish as well as links to statewide resources for reliable immigration assistance.
For more information or help confirming an attorney's validity, residents can contact NMDOJ at 505-490-4060 or the State Bar of New Mexico at 505-797-6000.