## Warning Issued About Work Visa Frauds in the U.S. by Fake Immigration Lawyers
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in fraud cases related to U.S. work visa applications through social media platforms. Paola Robles, the president of an association specializing in immigration law, highlighted this growing issue, emphasizing that it is one of the most prevalent scams involving U.S. immigration paperwork. She mentioned that these frauds are difficult to quantify, as many individuals fall victim to people impersonating immigration lawyers.
“The problem is that the number of fraud cases is so high that detecting them is incredibly challenging. The best we can do as lawyers is to inform the public through social media: A work visa does not work this way; you do not pay for your visa and then get a job in the United States,” said Robles.
To obtain a work visa, it is necessary to have an employer who will handle the application process. “For a work visa, all expenses should be covered by the employer in the United States. They may tell you to pay for your visa upfront, but they should reimburse you, and payments must be made directly to the Consulate,” she pointed out.
Robles further noted that scammers often ask potential employees to pay for the visa in advance, send fake documents, or fail to deliver any documents at all. She advised individuals to verify payment receipts and account numbers to ensure they are official, as there have been cases of falsified payment orders.
Moreover, there are instances where people with valid work permits and U.S. residency have their identities and personal data stolen. To avoid such issues, Robles advised not sharing Social Security numbers except with the lawyer handling the visa renewal and the current employer.
For those undergoing the visa application process, contacting the Fraud Prevention Unit of U.S. Consulates in Mexico is recommended to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
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