AG’s office warns against possible immigration scams

CARSON CITY, - Nevadans are being advised in English and Spanish to beware of immigration scams that deliberately confuse the roles of "notarios" with agents who notarize public documents.

Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said the wrong advice can hurt people.

In some Latin American countries, a notario is a lawyer or someone who holds public office.

But a notary in the United States witnesses signatures on official documents. He or she can't make eligibility decisions or offer advice on people's immigration status.

Masto said people also should be careful in places offering a broad range of services such as tax preparation, rapid refunds, insurance, and personal financing, and passport, visa and immigration services.

She said victims of immigration scams should contact her office, the State Bar of Nevada and the Federal Trade Commission.