How to Spot Immigration Services Scams — And Protect Your Family

Immigrating to the United States is stressful enough without the added risk of falling into a scam. Sadly, many families in Florida and across the country have lost money, time, and even their legal status because they trusted the wrong person with their paperwork.

At Stone Notary, we want every client to feel confident and protected. Here’s what you need to know to spot immigration scams before they cost you.

1. The “Notario” Trap

In Latin America and Europe, a “notario” is a licensed attorney with years of legal training. In the U.S., a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.

Scammers take advantage of this difference by calling themselves “notarios,” advertising immigration help, and charging thousands of dollars for services they’re not qualified to provide.

Red Flag: Anyone advertising as a “notario público” in Florida and offering immigration legal services is breaking the law.

2. Promises That Sound Too Good To Be True

Be cautious if someone says:

• “I can guarantee your visa or green card.”

• “I have special connections with immigration officers.”

• “Pay now and you’ll be approved in weeks.”

No one can guarantee an immigration outcome, and processing times depend on government agencies, not private individuals.

3. Asking You to Sign Blank or Incomplete Forms

Never sign an immigration form that isn’t fully filled out. Unscrupulous people sometimes insert false information after the fact, which can lead to denial or even deportation.

4. Charging Excessive or Hidden Fees

Scammers often demand large up-front payments, then disappear. Others charge far above the official government fees while pretending those costs are “mandatory.”

Pro Tip: Always check official USCIS fees online. Compare them with what you are being asked to pay.

5. How to Stay Safe

✅ Verify credentials. Immigration attorneys must have a Florida Bar number. Accredited representatives must be listed with the Department of Justice.
✅ Use reputable notaries. A Florida notary can notarize signatures on immigration-related documents, but cannot prepare forms or give legal advice.
✅ Ask for written receipts and contracts. Transparency is key.
✅ Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.

6. What Stone Notary Provides (and What We Don’t)

We don’t claim to be immigration attorneys. What we do is just as important:

• Properly notarize affidavits, consent forms, powers of attorney, and translations.

• Handle apostilles and authentications for documents used overseas.

• Provide mobile service, so you don’t waste time traveling.

• Deliver professional, honest, and compliant service every time.

By staying within the law, we keep you and your family safe from the risks of bad actors.

Closing Thought

Immigration scams destroy dreams. Don’t let confusion or desperation make you a target. Know your rights, know the limits of a notary’s role, and always choose trusted professionals.

At Stone Notary, our mission is simple: to protect your milestones with integrity, accuracy, and care.

📞 Call/Text: (754) 217-0444
📧 stone.notary@gmail.com
🌐 stone-notary.com

Florida’s New Law on Immigration Advertising: What Notaries Can and Can’t Say

In June 2025, Florida passed a new law aimed at protecting immigrant communities from misleading advertising. Known as House Bill 915, this legislation specifically limits how notaries and businesses can market immigration-related services.

If you’re an immigrant in Florida or someone working with immigration documents, this law matters to you. Here’s what it means and how it protects families like yours.

1. Why the Law Was Passed

For years, immigrant communities have been misled by people calling themselves “notarios” and advertising services that make them seem like attorneys. In countries such as Mexico or Colombia, a “notario” is a licensed legal professional. In the U.S., a notary is not an attorney.

This difference has caused heartbreaking cases where families lost thousands of dollars or damaged their immigration process by trusting the wrong person.

2. What the Law Says

Under Florida’s new law, notaries are no longer allowed to advertise or promote immigration services in ways that could confuse or mislead the public.

Specifically:

• Notaries cannot call themselves “notarios públicos” or use wording that implies legal training.

• They cannot claim to be able to prepare immigration forms or offer legal advice, unless they are licensed attorneys or accredited representatives.

• Any advertisement in Spanish, Portuguese, or other languages must include a clear disclaimer that the notary is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.

3. How This Protects Immigrants

This law helps families by:

• Making it easier to spot scams.

• Reducing misleading ads that promise fast results.

• Ensuring that only qualified professionals give legal immigration guidance.

It’s one more step toward protecting vulnerable communities from being taken advantage of.

4. What Stone Notary Can Do For You

At Stone Notary, we are clear about our role. We don’t give legal advice. What we do is ensure your immigration-related documents are notarized correctly and legally. That means:

• Witnessing your signature on affidavits, powers of attorney, or consent forms.

• Notarizing translations when required.

• Helping prepare documents for apostille or authentication if they are being used overseas.

• Providing mobile service so you don’t have to travel.

We stay within the law so that you stay protected.

5. The Bottom Line

Immigration paperwork is stressful enough. Don’t let confusing ads or misleading promises put your family at risk. With Florida’s new law, you can feel more secure knowing there are clear rules in place.

At Stone Notary, our promise is simple: professionalism, honesty, and clarity. We handle your documents with care while respecting the boundaries of what a notary can and cannot do.

📞 Call/Text: (754) 217-0444
📧 stone.notary@gmail.com
🌐 stone-notary.com

Immigration Documents: What Needs to Be Notarized in 2025?

Immigration paperwork is stressful enough—don’t let improper notarization delay your case.

Common Immigration Docs That Require Notarization:

• Affidavits of Support

• Certified Translations (with a notary’s certification)

• Consent Letters for Minors

• Powers of Attorney

• Employment or Residency Verification Letters

Avoid Notario Fraud

In the U.S., notaries are not immigration attorneys. Beware of anyone offering to "fix" your case without proper legal accreditation.

Get It Done Right the First Time

At Stone Notary, we understand immigration documents and offer mobile, discreet, and professional service to help you avoid delays.

📱 Book now at stone-notary.com or email stone.notary@gmail.com.