ORLANDO, Fla. – Hours after multiple arrests tied to an alleged immigration fraud scheme in Orange County, questions remain about how unlicensed individuals posing as attorneys are able to swindle victims and how people can protect themselves.
Investigators say employees of the Orange County-based business “Legacy Imigra” are accused of defrauding hundreds of clients out of roughly $20 million. The case highlights what immigration attorneys say is a growing problem fueled by high demand for legal representation.
Orlando immigration attorney Ileana Rivera said she was not surprised to hear about the arrests.
“In my experience, people come to me saying that they paid thousands and thousands of dollars,” Rivera said. “I’ve seen as high as $8,000, $10,000, and they were not attorneys.”
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Rivera said she receives calls weekly from people who believe they were misled by someone falsely claiming to be a licensed attorney.
She explained that scammers often tell clients exactly what they want to hear, promising favorable outcomes that legitimate attorneys may not guarantee.
Experts say verifying an attorney’s credentials is critical. Both Rivera and The Florida Bar recommend searching for the attorney on The Florida Bar’s website to confirm they are licensed.
However, immigration law is federal, meaning attorneys can be licensed in any state. Rivera advises asking which state the attorney is licensed in and checking that state’s bar association website.
“If they aren’t listed, they aren’t licensed,” she said.
Rivera also noted that some individuals may be licensed attorneys in other countries but are not authorized to practice law in the United States.
“They could be lawyers in their country, but they are not allowed to say they are lawyers here and practice law,” she said.
She added that scams like these can damage trust in legitimate immigration attorneys.
Rivera said many victims never report being defrauded, often out of fear of drawing attention to their immigration status.
Authorities continue to investigate the case.