{"id":1844,"date":"2026-04-01T23:54:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T23:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/?p=1844"},"modified":"2026-04-02T04:20:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T04:20:01","slug":"scams-targeting-immigrants-on-the-rise-in-the-u-s-sophisticated-networks-exploit-fear-and-misinformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/ethnic-media-services\/scams-targeting-immigrants-on-the-rise-in-the-u-s-sophisticated-networks-exploit-fear-and-misinformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Scams Targeting Immigrants on the Rise in the U.S.: Sophisticated Networks Exploit Fear and Misinformation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During a virtual panel organized by American Community Media (ACoM), consumer protection experts warned of a surge in scams targeting immigrant communities, driven by their vulnerability and the increasing use of advanced technology by criminal networks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amid an increasingly tense immigration climate in the United States, scams targeting immigrant communities are surging. Attorneys Monica Vaca and Kati Daffan issued the warning at a virtual meeting convened by American Community Media, where they outlined how these schemes operate, why they have intensified, and what steps potential victims can take to protect themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The panel featured both specialists, former officials of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) who now work in the private sector handling consumer fraud cases. Throughout the session, they concurred that the phenomenon is not isolated, but rather the product of structural dynamics that combine social vulnerability, misinformation, and opportunities exploited by criminal networks. Among the key factors driving the rise in these scams is the emotional state of the victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immigration detentions -often sudden- leave families in desperate situations, prompting them to seek immediate help without the information needed to verify the legitimacy of the services being offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen something stressful is happening, something in the news, scammers try to figure out how to take advantage of that situation. Unfortunately, it\u2019s completely predictable that an increase in detentions will lead to an increase in fraud,\u201d explained M\u00f3nica Vaca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increasingly Sophisticated Networks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against this backdrop, scammers have built increasingly elaborate schemes. As the speakers detailed, these operations can include impersonating licensed attorneys, creating fictitious law firms, and submitting documents that mimic official government forms. Investigators have even detected simulated court hearings conducted via video calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve heard Zoom calls where it sounds like an immigration judge is hearing a case and ordering someone\u2019s release. We\u2019ve also seen fake licenses, forged legal signatures, and documents that appear to be from the government,\u201d said Kati Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These strategies are designed not only to convince victims but to build sufficient trust to sustain the fraud over time. Unlike other schemes, payment is not demanded in a single transaction but extracted in multiple installments that appear reasonable to the victim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll ask you to pay smaller amounts for services that sound reasonable. Then more payments will come, such as fees or supposed bail, and so on. There may be several people involved throughout the process, which makes it even more believable,\u201d Daffan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of varied payment methods is also central to the scheme. Wire transfers, digital payment apps, cryptocurrencies, and gift cards are among the tools deployed to obstruct money tracing. In many cases, by the time victims recognize the fraud, recovering their losses is no longer possible. A technological dimension further compounds the sophistication of these operations. Experts warned that scammers are increasingly incorporating tools such as artificial intelligence to reinforce their deceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Today we see scammers having access to technologies like artificial intelligence to clone voices or create fake videos, and using all of that in their frauds,” Vaca stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although immigration services scams are the most prevalent, they are not the only ones. During the session, other forms of fraud affecting these communities were cited, including real estate scams, tax fraud, and counterfeit business opportunities. In many cases, these schemes are presented in the victim’s native language, which heightens the sense of trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Some of these scams involve perfect Spanish. The fact that someone speaks your language or is from your country shouldn’t give you confidence,” Vaca warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent and Respond to Fraud<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The speakers also identified red flags that can help detect such fraud. Chief among them are initial contact through social media, promises of guaranteed outcomes, and requests for payment through untraceable methods. They also emphasized the deceptive use of the term “notary,” which in the United States does not confer the authority to provide legal advice on immigration matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“No one can guarantee an outcome in these procedures. If someone assures you of success, that’s a clear sign of fraud. You also have to be wary of those who present themselves as notaries, because they cannot help you with immigration issues,” explained Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given this landscape, prevention is paramount. The specialists recommended taking precautionary measures before a crisis arises, such as identifying reputable attorneys, establishing family contingency plans, and securing access to financial resources in the event of detention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It will be much easier to call from a list you already have of reputable sources. Many people, in moments of desperation, end up seeking help on social media, and that is a significant source of fraud,” Vaca pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who have already been victimized, the speed of the response can be decisive. The experts advised immediately contacting the provider of the payment method used and formally reporting the fraud. However, they acknowledged that many people do not report these crimes out of fear or distrust of authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can work with an organization or a lawyer to file a report on your behalf. This allows the information to reach the authorities without the victim having to directly share their data if they don’t feel comfortable,\u201d Daffan stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the question-and-answer session, concerns also emerged regarding institutional capacity to address the problem. The speakers noted that, while reporting mechanisms exist, the response remains limited, and the issue demands a broader perspective that encompasses political and social factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you report to the FTC, you’re not just reporting to that agency; the information can be shared with other authorities. We understand that some people may not be comfortable with that, and that’s why it’s important to know about alternatives\u201d, Daffan explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The session also addressed the role of digital platforms, through which many of these scams are disseminated via paid advertisements. While the issue remains under debate, the experts agreed that significant gaps persist in the regulation and accountability of these companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a very important issue and a major source of debate right now. There are many legal complications regarding what platforms can do to prevent these scams\u201d, they noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its criminal dimension, the phenomenon exposes deeper structural failures. Limited access to information, distrust of institutions, and cultural barriers render immigrant communities a recurring target for this type of crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a criminal problem. The people stealing this money are criminals, but they are also taking advantage of the desperation of families who urgently need help\u201d, Daffan stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the speakers underscored the role of information as a prevention tool. Sharing experiences and alerting others within the community can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople who have heard about a scam and know it exists are much less likely to lose money. Talking about this is a form of public service\u201d, Vaca concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aumentan las estafas contra inmigrantes en EE. UU. : redes sofisticadas aprovechan miedo y desinformaci\u00f3n<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Durante un panel virtual organizado por American Community Media (ACoM), expertas en protecci\u00f3n al consumidor alertaron sobre el crecimiento de fraudes dirigidos a comunidades inmigrantes, impulsados por contextos de vulnerabilidad por el uso de tecnolog\u00eda avanzada.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

En medio de un contexto migratorio cada vez m\u00e1s tenso en Estados Unidos, las estafas dirigidas a comunidades inmigrantes est\u00e1n en aumento. As\u00ed lo advirtieron las abogadas Monica Vaca y Kati Daffan en un encuentro virtual convocado por American Community Media, donde expusieron c\u00f3mo operan estos fraudes, por qu\u00e9 se han intensificado y qu\u00e9 medidas pueden tomar las personas para evitarlos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El panel reuni\u00f3 a ambas especialistas, exfuncionarias de la Comisi\u00f3n Federal de Comercio (FTC), quienes actualmente trabajan en el \u00e1mbito privado y enfrentan casos de fraude al consumidor. A lo largo de la sesi\u00f3n, coincidieron en que este fen\u00f3meno no es aislado, sino que responde a din\u00e1micas estructurales que combinan vulnerabilidad social, desinformaci\u00f3n y oportunidades aprovechadas por redes criminales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uno de los factores centrales que explican el crecimiento de estas estafas es el contexto emocional en el que se encuentran las v\u00edctimas. Las detenciones migratorias, muchas veces repentinas, generan situaciones de desesperaci\u00f3n en las familias, que buscan ayuda inmediata sin contar con informaci\u00f3n suficiente para verificar la legitimidad de los servicios ofrecidos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCuando hay algo estresante pasando, algo noticioso, los estafadores intentan descubrir c\u00f3mo aprovecharse de esa situaci\u00f3n. Por desgracia, es completamente predecible que, con un impacto en la detenci\u00f3n, haya un impacto en los fraudes\u201d, explic\u00f3 M\u00f3nica Vaca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Redes cada vez m\u00e1s sofisticadas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A partir de ese escenario, los estafadores construyen esquemas cada vez m\u00e1s elaborados. Seg\u00fan detallaron las ponentes, estos pueden incluir la suplantaci\u00f3n de abogados reales, la creaci\u00f3n de firmas legales falsas y la presentaci\u00f3n de documentos que imitan formatos oficiales. Incluso se han detectado simulaciones de audiencias judiciales mediante videollamadas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHemos escuchado llamadas por Zoom en las que parece que hay un juez de inmigraci\u00f3n escuchando un caso y ordenando la liberaci\u00f3n de alguien. Tambi\u00e9n hemos visto licencias falsas, firmas legales falsas y documentos que parecen venir del gobierno\u201d, se\u00f1al\u00f3 Kati Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Estas estrategias no solo buscan convencer, sino tambi\u00e9n generar confianza suficiente para sostener una estafa a lo largo del tiempo. A diferencia de otros fraudes, en estos casos el dinero no se solicita de una sola vez, sino en m\u00faltiples etapas que resultan razonables para la v\u00edctima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLes pedir\u00e1n que paguen en cantidades m\u00e1s peque\u00f1as por servicios que suenan razonables. Luego vendr\u00e1n m\u00e1s pagos, como tarifas o supuestas fianzas, y as\u00ed sucesivamente. Durante todo el proceso pueden haber varias personas involucradas, lo que lo hace a\u00fan m\u00e1s cre\u00edble\u201d, indic\u00f3 Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El uso de distintos m\u00e9todos de pago tambi\u00e9n forma parte del esquema. Las transferencias, las aplicaciones digitales, las criptomonedas y las tarjetas de regalo son algunas de las herramientas utilizadas para dificultar el rastreo del dinero. En muchos casos, cuando las v\u00edctimas se dan cuenta del fraude, ya es demasiado tarde para recuperar lo perdido.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A esto se suma un componente tecnol\u00f3gico que eleva la sofisticaci\u00f3n de estas operaciones. Las expertas advirtieron que los estafadores est\u00e1n incorporando herramientas como la inteligencia artificial para reforzar sus enga\u00f1os.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHoy en d\u00eda vemos a los estafadores teniendo acceso a tecnolog\u00edas como la inteligencia artificial para hacer clonaci\u00f3n de voz o videos falsos, y usar todo eso en sus fraudes\u201d, sostuvo Vaca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aunque las estafas vinculadas a servicios migratorios son las m\u00e1s frecuentes, no son las \u00fanicas. Durante el encuentro se mencionaron otros tipos de fraude que afectan a estas comunidades, como enga\u00f1os inmobiliarios, estafas tributarias y falsas oportunidades de negocio. En muchos casos, estos se presentan en el idioma de la v\u00edctima, lo que incrementa la sensaci\u00f3n de confianza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlgunas de estas estafas hablan espa\u00f1ol perfecto. El hecho de que alguien hable tu idioma o sea de tu mismo pa\u00eds no deber\u00eda darte confianza\u201d, advirti\u00f3 Vaca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C\u00f3mo prevenir y reaccionar ante el fraude<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Las ponentes tambi\u00e9n identificaron se\u00f1ales de alerta que pueden ayudar a detectar estos fraudes. Entre ellas, el contacto inicial a trav\u00e9s de redes sociales, las promesas de resultados garantizados y la solicitud de pagos mediante m\u00e9todos poco rastreables. Tambi\u00e9n destacaron el uso enga\u00f1oso del t\u00e9rmino \u201cnotario\u201d, que en Estados Unidos no implica la capacidad de brindar asesor\u00eda legal en temas migratorios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNadie puede garantizar un resultado en estos procedimientos. Si alguien te asegura \u00e9xito, eso es una se\u00f1al clara de fraude. Tambi\u00e9n hay que tener cuidado con quienes se presentan como notarios, porque no pueden ayudarte con problemas de inmigraci\u00f3n\u201d, explic\u00f3 Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frente a este panorama, la prevenci\u00f3n se vuelve clave. Las especialistas recomendaron tomar medidas antes de enfrentar una situaci\u00f3n de crisis, como identificar abogados confiables, establecer planes familiares y asegurar el acceso a recursos econ\u00f3micos en caso de detenci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSer\u00e1 mucho m\u00e1s f\u00e1cil llamar desde una lista que ya tienes de fuentes reputables. Muchas personas, en momentos de desesperaci\u00f3n, terminan buscando ayuda en redes sociales, y eso es una fuente importante de fraude\u201d, se\u00f1al\u00f3 Vaca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

En caso de haber sido v\u00edctima, la rapidez de la respuesta puede marcar la diferencia. Las expertas aconsejaron contactar de inmediato al proveedor del m\u00e9todo de pago utilizado y reportar el fraude. Sin embargo, reconocieron que muchas personas no denuncian por miedo o desconfianza hacia las autoridades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPuedes trabajar con una organizaci\u00f3n o un abogado para reportar en tu nombre. Eso permite que la informaci\u00f3n llegue a las autoridades sin que la v\u00edctima tenga que compartir directamente sus datos si no se siente c\u00f3moda\u201d, indic\u00f3 Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durante la ronda de preguntas, tambi\u00e9n surgieron cuestionamientos sobre la capacidad institucional para enfrentar este problema. Las ponentes se\u00f1alaron que, si bien existen mecanismos de denuncia, la respuesta puede ser limitada y el problema requiere una mirada m\u00e1s amplia que incluya factores pol\u00edticos y sociales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCuando se reporta a la FTC, no solo se reporta a esa agencia, sino que la informaci\u00f3n puede ser compartida con otras autoridades. Entendemos que algunas personas no se sientan c\u00f3modas con eso, y por eso es importante conocer alternativas\u201d, explic\u00f3 Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El encuentro tambi\u00e9n abord\u00f3 el papel de las plataformas digitales, donde muchas de estas estafas se difunden a trav\u00e9s de anuncios pagados. Aunque se trata de un tema en discusi\u00f3n, las expertas coincidieron en que a\u00fan existen vac\u00edos en la regulaci\u00f3n y en la responsabilidad de estas empresas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEs un tema muy importante y una gran fuente de debate en este momento. Hay muchas complicaciones legales sobre qu\u00e9 pueden hacer las plataformas para prevenir estos fraudes\u201d, se\u00f1alaron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

M\u00e1s all\u00e1 del aspecto delictivo, el fen\u00f3meno revela problemas estructurales m\u00e1s profundos. La falta de acceso a informaci\u00f3n, la desconfianza en las instituciones y las barreras culturales convierten a las comunidades inmigrantes en un blanco recurrente para este tipo de delitos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEsto es un problema criminal. Las personas que est\u00e1n robando este dinero son criminales, pero tambi\u00e9n est\u00e1n aprovech\u00e1ndose de la desesperaci\u00f3n de familias que necesitan ayuda urgente\u201d, afirm\u00f3 Daffan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finalmente, las expositoras destacaron el papel de la informaci\u00f3n como herramienta de prevenci\u00f3n. Compartir experiencias y alertar a otros puede reducir significativamente el riesgo de caer en estos enga\u00f1os.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLas personas que han escuchado de un fraude y saben que existe son mucho menos propensas a perder dinero. Hablar de esto es una forma de servicio p\u00fablico\u201d, concluy\u00f3 Vaca.
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During a virtual panel organized by American Community Media (ACoM), consumer protection experts warned of a surge in scams targeting immigrant communities, driven by their vulnerability and the increasing use of advanced technology by criminal networks. Amid an increasingly tense immigration climate in the United States, scams targeting immigrant communities are surging. Attorneys Monica Vaca […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1853,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[686,194,9],"tags":[1257,2872,196,2998,2996,130,2997,86],"class_list":["post-1844","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-community-media","category-california-black-media","category-ethnic-media-services","tag-acom","tag-americancommunitymedia","tag-california","tag-digitalsafety","tag-fraud","tag-immigration","tag-scams","tag-usa"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1844","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1844"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1847,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1844\/revisions\/1847"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}