IMMIGRANT FRAUD UNIT

If you or someone you know is a victim of a fraudulent scheme or crime, whether that person is an undocumented or documented immigrant, the Immigrant Fraud Unit can help.


DA Gonzalez at a Brooklyn Immigration Forum aimed at educating the public about fraud and other legal issues

Brooklyn is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States and our immigrant communities represent the beauty and rich diversity of our great city. Unfortunately, there are individuals who target and prey upon these communities and defraud and exploit innocent people.

The Immigrant Fraud Unit investigates and prosecutes individuals and businesses that target and exploit immigrants by utilizing various fraudulent schemes or scams. The unit is committed to aiding and encouraging both documented and undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses, who may fear cooperating with law enforcement because of their immigration status.

Contact us for more information about community outreach, fraud prevention education and referral services or to report Immigrant Fraud at the Immigrant Fraud Helpline at 718-250-3333 or submit via email the Immigrant Fraud  Complaint Form

Voices of NY: Immigration Forum in Sunset Park

Read a Joint Statement from the New York State District Attorneys League of Immigrant Affairs

> Immigration Practitioners’ Symposium Registration Has Ended

 Types of fraud and scams to be aware of:

  • Companies, organizations or individuals who falsely represent themselves as “attorneys,” “lawyers,” “notarios,” “immigration specialists” or “public officials” and they give legal advice or promise to process immigration paperwork.
  • Individuals who falsely promise -for a fee- to sponsor work visas or to provide employment training.
  • Advance fee scams targeting immigrants who seek employment.
  • Individuals who pretend to be law enforcement agents, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and say they can provide or obtain special treatment or services.
  • The production and purchase of false documents, including state identifications, social security cards, driver’s licenses and passports.
  • Financial and investment scams such as pyramid schemes.
  • Construction companies that hire immigrants but then do not pay them the salary required by law.
  • Individuals who promise health care enrollment assistance but they do not provide such service.
  • Individuals or businesses that offer housing and other services but just take your money and then disappear.

 Referral Services:

  • To get a referral for legal and social service providers, such as immigration services, translation services, interpretation and translation services, labor rights and law services and benefits counseling, contact: 
    New York Immigration Hotline at 1-800-566-7636
  • To file a complaint against an immigration service provider, contact: 
    The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs at 311
  • To find out the status of Immigration Paperwork, contact: 
    The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at 1-800-375-5283
  • To obtain a referral for a private lawyer, contact: 
    The New York City Bar Association Legal Referral Service 212-626-7373

Contact the Immigrant Fraud Unit Helpline to Report Fraud
at 718-250-3333 or email us at: IFU@BrooklynDA.org

District Attorney’s Action Center
350 Jay Street
16th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

MTA Transit Subway Stations:

Jay Street/Metro Tech – A, C, F or R
Borough Hall – 2, 3, 4 or 5

All complaints are confidential and you may submit a complaint anonymously.

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