San Diego: Immigration Scam Alert – Fake Lawyers & Officials Warned

The San Diego City Attorney’s Office warned the public Friday about a surge in scams targeting immigrants, with perpetrators posing as attorneys or government officials offering legal assistance in exchange for payment. City Attorney Heather Ferbert described the practice as “deplorable and unlawful,” emphasizing that her office does not provide direct legal assistance to individuals, nor does it operate outside of California.

According to the City Attorney’s Office, scammers are contacting individuals through phone calls, text messages, and social media platforms, falsely claiming to represent the office and offering immigration-related services for a fee. The warning comes as vulnerable communities are increasingly targeted by fraudulent schemes promising expedited or guaranteed immigration outcomes.

The office explicitly stated it does not request money or sensitive personal information via phone, text, or social media. Individuals who have been contacted by individuals claiming to represent the City Attorney’s Office regarding immigration matters are urged to cease all communication and report the incident to law enforcement, the City Attorney’s Office, and the State Bar of California.

Victims of these scams are encouraged to consult the California Department of Justice at www.oag.ca.gov/report and seek legitimate legal aid resources at www.lawhelpca.org. The City Attorney’s Office consistently reports such incidents to the appropriate authorities, according to the statement released on February 14, 2026.

The warning follows similar reports of fraudulent activity preying on immigrant communities, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and awareness. The San Diego City Attorney’s Office did not specify the number of reported incidents prompting the warning, but officials indicated a recent increase in complaints.