The ABA’s Fight Notario Fraud Project

As you may be aware, the American Bar Association (ABA), Commission on Immigration has put together a Fight Notario Fraud project to address “notario fraud” or “legal consultant fraud” in the US immigrant community. This type of fraud involves non-attorneys who use advertisements or assurances that they are either attorneys or qualified to provide legal services in areas such as immigration. Often these individuals use foreign language terms, such as “notario publico,” that signify to many foreign-nationals unfamiliar with the US legal system that they are licensed to practice law.

As a part of the Fight Notario Fraud Project, the ABA is looking for reports and examples of this type of fraud to refer to possible pro bono attorneys, or, possibly, to government agencies. Specifically, the ABA would like to hear about any case in which a non-attorney has, in a written or orally recorded advertisement (e.g., on a business card, a store-front sign, a newspaper ad, or an internet ad):

1. referred to herself using the term “notario publico,” or “notario,”

2. referred to herself using another foreign language word for attorney (e.g. “abogado,” “avocat,” “avukat,” “notario publico”),

3. referred to herself as “licensed” or “qualified” to provide legal advice or services including assisting individuals with the selection or completion of immigration forms or filings, or in any other matter restricted to legal processionals.

4. referred to herself as possessing a “court license.”

To report fraudulent activity, please fill out the form here.  Please contact Claire Trickler-McNulty by e-mail at mcnultyc@staff.abanet.org or by phone at 202-662-1007 with any questions or concerns.

Please note, all information will be kept strictly confidential and no information will be shared with outside parties without the explicit consent of the individual providing the information. The ABA cannot guarantee placement of a case for representation, but we will make all possible efforts to connect any individual with a viable claim to a local attorney.

KJ