Immigration Fraud Alert-Attorneys Being Impersonated Using Bar Numbers

The Kentucky Bar Association recently issued an alert regarding a sophisticated and escalating immigration-related fraud scheme that is directly affecting licensed attorneys across the country, including potentially here in Kentucky.

What is Happening

Scammers are harvesting attorneys' names and bar numbers from publicly available state bar websites and using that information to impersonate real, licensed practitioners. Fraudsters are posing as the American Bar Association, nonprofit legal service providers, and licensed private attorneys to solicit payments and sensitive personal information from vulnerable individuals seeking immigration legal assistance.

These schemes use fake letterhead, fabricated credentials, fraudulent retainer agreements, and falsified government documents, including materials bearing the seals of USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security. Scammers have also staged video calls in front of ABA signage and created WhatsApp Business profiles using the ABA logo to appear legitimate.

The scheme operates primarily through WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and other social media platforms. In many cases, impersonated attorneys only become aware of the situation when victims contact them directly to verify whether they are actually handling their case. Victims have suffered not only significant financial losses, but in some instances, adverse immigration consequences-including deportation orders - as a result of fraudulent filings or missed deadlines.

What You Should Do

• Monitor for unauthorized use of your personal information, including your bar number, and set up alerts were possible.
• If you are contacted by someone claiming you represented them in a matter you have no knowledge of, treat it as a potential fraud situation and report it promptly.
• Report any suspected impersonation to the KBA's Office of Bar Counsel, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the EOIR Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program at eoir.fraud.program@usdoj.gov or 877-388-3840.
• If your clients or members of the public approach you about suspicious contacts from individuals claiming to be attorneys or ABA representatives, direct them to verify credentials through the KBA's official attorney search tool: https://kybar.org/For-Public/Find-a-Lawyer.

Federal investigators, including the DHS Office of Inspector General and the EOIR Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program, are actively engaged and cooperating with the ABA on this matter.

Contact the KBA at (502) 564-3795 with any questions or to report suspected activity.