MEDFORD — Medford Police Department has issued a scam alert after investigating reports of an individual impersonating a lawyer and defrauding residents seeking immigration services.
Victims reported paying thousands of dollars for assistance with immigration processes, only to discover at their court appearances that none of their paperwork had been filed.
The department has identified at least two other cases with similar patterns.
Authorities urge residents to protect themselves from such scams by verifying the credentials of any attorney offering services.
Prospective clients should consult the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers at www.massbbo.org to confirm the legitimacy of a lawyer.
It is also advised to obtain a signed and notarized contract that clearly outlines the services to be provided.
Residents who suspect they have fallen prey to this fraudulent scheme are encouraged to report the incident to their local police department immediately.
