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Notario Fraud


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The word “notario” is the Spanish-language equivalent of notary public.

In most Latin American countries a notario is a highly trained legal professional, like an American lawyer. Notario working in the U.S. sometimes take advantage of those who may not know the distinction. This can also happen with certified document preparers, who sometimes bill themselves as notarios to attract business.

Often using false advertising and fraudulent contracts, notarios represent themselves as qualified individuals to help immigrants attain lawful status, or perform legal functions such as drafting wills or other legal documents. Unethical notarios are known to scam individuals, charging a lot of money for help that they never actually provide. Often, victims permanently lose opportunities to pursue immigration relief because a notario has damaged their case.

Unscrupulous notarios have become an increasingly serious problem in immigrant communities throughout the United States. For more information, please click here.

Fight Notario Fraud

Are you or someone you know a victim of notario fraud?

If so, please contact the Commission on Immigration.
ABA Commission on Immigration
202/442-3363
202/638-3844 (fax)
FNF@americanbar.org

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