WARNING: Sophisticated scammers are targeting families of detained immigrants with fake court documents, fake attorneys, fake hearings—and even someone pretending to be a judge. Do not send money or share banking information.
Families of detained immigrants are being targeted by an extraordinarily sophisticated new scam involving fake court documents, fake attorneys, fake hearings—and even someone pretending to be a judge.
Immigration attorneys have recently reported cases in which family members receive documents that appear to be legitimate federal court or immigration court filings. The documents may include what purports to be proof that a habeas corpus petition has been filed seeking the detained person’s release. They may even use the names of real immigration attorneys and legitimate nonprofit organizations that have absolutely nothing to do with the case.
The family is then given a notice for an online hearing. They log into Webex and are met by someone dressed like a judge, sitting in front of government-looking flags or insignia. During the supposed hearing, the “judge” announces that a bond has been granted and tells the family that money must be paid immediately to secure their loved one’s release.
The family is then given bank account or routing information and instructed to transfer the money.
Do not send it.
Why This Scam Can Look Real
This scam is particularly dangerous because several individual pieces of it may look authentic. Immigration courts really do conduct some hearings through Webex. EOIR publishes official Webex links for immigration judges. Habeas corpus petitions really are filed in federal court to challenge unlawful immigration detention. And immigration judges really can order the release of certain detained immigrants on bond.
But an immigration judge does not collect your bond money, provide personal banking information,
or tell a family during a hearing to wire money to a particular bank account.
Immigration bonds are administered through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE operates its official electronic cash-bond system, CeBONDS, and also maintains authorized bond-acceptance procedures.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Be extremely cautious if:
- Someone unexpectedly tells you that a habeas petition or bond case has been filed for your family member.
- Documents contain the name of an attorney or nonprofit organization you have never actually spoken with.
- Someone claims a bond has been granted but insists that payment must be made immediately.
- A “judge,” “court employee,” or other official gives you a bank routing number or account number and tells you where to transfer money.
- You are pressured to act before speaking with your family member’s attorney.
- Someone tells you that failure to pay within minutes or hours will cause your family member to lose the opportunity for release.
- You are instructed to communicate only through telephone numbers, email addresses, links, or contact information contained in the documents you were sent.
And remember: the fact that a document looks official proves almost nothing. Modern scammers can copy court captions, case numbers, attorney names, government seals, signatures, and formatting with remarkable accuracy.
How Do You Verify That a Hearing or Bond Is Real?
First, do not rely on the telephone number or website printed on the suspicious document itself. Independently locate the immigration court, attorney, nonprofit organization, or government agency.
EOIR allows respondents and families to verify immigration court information through its Automated Case Information system and by telephone. EOIR specifically advises people who are uncertain about a hearing to contact the immigration court handling the case.
EOIR Automated Case Information:
https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/
Telephone: (800) 898-7180
If a document claims that a particular lawyer filed a habeas petition, find that lawyer’s telephone number independently—from the lawyer’s law firm, nonprofit organization, or State Bar listing—and call the lawyer directly.
If someone claims that a federal habeas case has been filed, a licensed attorney can determine whether an actual federal court case exists and whether the documents you received match the real court docket.
Most importantly, never transfer thousands of dollars merely because someone appearing on a computer screen tells you that your loved one will be released if you pay immediately.
Before You Pay an Immigration Bond, Talk to a Lawyer
Families of detained immigrants are extraordinarily vulnerable to this kind of fraud. They are frightened, under tremendous pressure, and understandably willing to act quickly if they believe it will bring a husband, wife, parent, or child home.
That is exactly what scammers are exploiting.
If you receive a notice claiming that your detained family member has been granted bond—especially if it involves an unexpected court proceeding, habeas petition, online hearing, or demand for immediate payment— stop before sending money.
Call a licensed immigration attorney. A fifteen-minute conversation could be the difference between legitimately posting a bond for your loved one and sending thousands of dollars to a criminal.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
