JOHN R. ROACH
CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY
COLLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE
210 S. McDONALD, SUITE 324
McKINNEY, TEXAS 75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us

May 19, 2003

Collin County Residents Warned of Immigration Scam

(McKinney, TX) - Since December 2002, nearly 200 consumers throughout Texas have filed complaints with what the state Office of the Attorney General describes as an immigration scam. The consumers say they paid a substantial amount of money or were solicited to pay money to these scam artists who have no legal authority to do what they purport to do. In many of the cases, the con artists charge hundreds or thousands of dollars to allegedly provide legal assistance in processing immigration applications. In many of the cases, the scam artists disappear with the money, charge high fees for filing unnecessary documents or perform poor quality services that jeopardize clients' cases. These persons tout themselves as "notarios," "immigrant specialists" or "immigration consultants."

The Collin County District Attorney's office, along with the state Office of the Attorney General, is committed to stopping this type of activity. These scam artists can be sued under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA), and some may have violated various other state laws.

Consumers living in Collin County who believe they have been a victim of these scam artists or who know of persons who may be engaged in conducting this scam, are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.

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