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Notario Fraud

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En California, es un crimen ejercer como abogado o dar consejo legal sin ser un abogado con licencia. Desafortunadamente, hay individuos y negocios que a menudo se dirigen a comunidades de inmigrantes asegurando ser abogados usando el título de “notario,” un término usado en otros países que se refiere a alguien entrenado y autorizado para proveer servicios legales. Estos individuos sin escrúpulos toman su dinero, hacen nada o presentan papeleo equivocado o innecesario y muy seguido nunca se vuelve a oír de ellos.

Aquí hay algunos pasos que usted puede tomar para prevenir ser una víctima:

  • Desconfíe de cualquiera que exija pago en efectivo por adelantado. Esta es una gran señal de alarma.
  • Desconfíe de individuos que aseguran conocer a alguien que les ayudó con un problema de inmigración u otro problema legal. A menudo, ellos están trabajando con el “notario” para encontrar más ví
  • No le dé dinero o información personal a alguien que dice ser un abogado o notario sin primero consultar si ellos son abogados con licencia. Pida una tarjeta de negocios y su número de identificación de asociación de abogados de California. Si se rehúsan a proveer esta información, no trate más con ellos. Usted puede consultar si alguien es un abogado con licencia en el sitio de internet de la California Bar Association – Asociación de Abogados de California – visitando calbar.ca.gov cuando escribe el nombre en la caja bajo “Look Up a Lawyer” – Buscar un abogado.
  • Usted puede encontrar abogados con licencia que se especializan en leyes de inmigración u otras áreas específicas llamando al servicio de referencia de abogados de la asociación de abogados del Condado de Ventura al (805) 650-7599 o a través de su sitio de internet: https://www.vcba.org/public-lawyer-referral/. La Asociación de Abogados de California también provee información en su sitio de internet para aquellos que necesitan ayuda legal: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Need-Legal-Help.

Necesitamos su ayuda para traer a estos criminales a la justicia y prevenir que otros se conviertan en víctimas. Si usted cree que usted ha sido víctima de “fraude de notario” favor de reportarlo a su oficina de policía local o comuníquese con la Unidad de Protección al Consumidor al (805) 662‑1750. Tenemos personal que habla español listo para ayudar.

Por favor sepa que la Oficina del Fiscal del Distrito del Condado de Ventura está comprometida a ayudar a todas las víctimas, no importa su estado de inmigración.

Additional Information

California State Bar Pamphlet re Notario Fraud (Español)

Legal Fraud pamphlet in other languages on the California State Bar website

California State Bar Pamphlet re Legal Services for Immigrants (Español)

Legal Services pamphlet in other languages on the California State Bar website


Notario Fraud

Click for Español
In California, it is a crime to practice law or give legal advice without being a licensed attorney. Unfortunately, there are individuals and businesses who often target immigrant communities claiming to be lawyers by using the title “notario,” a term used in other countries to mean someone trained and authorized to provide legal services. These unscrupulous individuals take your money, do nothing, or file wrong or unnecessary paperwork and are often never heard from again.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent becoming a victim:

  • Be suspicious of anyone who demands cash payment up front. This is a big red flag.
  • Be suspicious of individuals claiming to know someone who helped them with an immigration or other legal problem. Oftentimes, they are working together with the “notario” to target more victims.
  • Do not give any money or personal information to someone claiming to be an attorney/notario without first checking to see if they are a licensed attorney. Ask for a business card and their bar number. If they refuse to provide this information, walk away. You can check if someone is a licensed attorney on the California State Bar’s website at calbar.ca.gov by entering their name under “Look Up a Lawyer.”
  • You can find licensed attorneys who specialize in immigration law or other specific areas by contacting the Ventura County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (805) 650-7599 or through their website: https://www.vcba.org/public-lawyer-referral/. The California State Bar also provides information on their website for those who need legal help: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Public/Need-Legal-Help.

We need your help in bringing these criminals to justice and preventing others from becoming victims. If you believe you have been a victim of notario fraud please report it to your local law enforcement agency or contact our Consumer Protection Unit at (805) 662-1750. We have Spanish speaking staff ready to assist.

Please know that the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is committed to helping all victims, regardless of their immigration status.

Additional Information

California State Bar Pamphlet re Notario Fraud (Español)

California State Bar Pamphlet re Notario Fraud (English)

Legal Fraud pamphlet in other languages on the California State Bar website

California State Bar Pamphlet re Legal Services for Immigrants (Español)

California State Bar Pamphlet re Legal Services for Immigrants (English)

Legal Services pamphlet in other languages on the California State Bar website

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